Launching Operation Safe Speed today, Inspector Amit Sareen, the acting officer in charge of the Traffic Support Branch, urged all drivers to slow down.
His appeal comes amid growing concern and frustration about the mounting road toll in 2019 – particularly the number of motorbike fatalities.
Operation Safe Speed , a high-profile state-wide, traffic campaign began today (just after midnight) and will run for four days in an effort to reduce casualty and fatal crashes.
“Of the 19 deaths on the state’s roads this year, seven have been motorcyclists with preliminary investigations showing that excessive speed has contributed to six of those deaths,” he said.
“Five of the motorcyclists killed have collided with fixed objects.
“The biggest risk factor for motorbike riders is themselves and the choices they make – not other road users.”
Inspector Sareen visited the police compound where vehicles are taken following crashes while the investigation is conducted – and invited the media to the location to see for themselves the sad wrecks.
“We know that the faster you go, the faster you hit,” he said. “And some motorists seem to drive like they are invincible when contained inside a motor vehicle.
“However research clearly shows that the risk of a casualty crash almost doubles with each 5km/h increase in speed on a 60km/h roads, or with each 10km/h increase on 110km/h roads.
“Conversely, evidence also suggests that a reduction of 5 km/h in average travel speed will reduce rural casualty crashes by about 30 per cent and urban crashes by about 25 per cent.
“More importantly is the fact that in the case of every fatality – irrespective of whether they are riding a motorbike or in a car – there is a ripple of pain and loss throughout their family and wider community.
“So today I simply ask for everyone to play their part in road safety by making good choices and slowing down.”
