The Queensland Police Service (QPS) today joined with emergency services partners Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) in Toowoomba to encourage road users to turn their lights on and help save lives.
Leave the lights on, a campaign encouraging drivers to turn on their headlights during daylight hours, is a road safety strategy targeted at increasing visibility of vehicles, particularly on rural and regional roads.
QPS Assistant Commissioner Mike Condon said local emergency services were behind the campaign which came as the Southern Region reached the grim milestone of 50 lives lost this year and the state total hit 227 – 37 more than 2019.
“It’s been a challenging year on our roads and our first responders know all too well the impacts that fatal and serious traffic crashes can have on victims, their families and the community,” Assistant Commissioner Condon said.
“From today, you will see our emergency services vehicles driving with their headlights on at all times of the day.
“This is a simple and effective strategy, which not only makes all road users more visible but also serves as a prompt for us to think about our actions whenever we get behind the wheel or are out on the road.”
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Assistant Commissioner for South West Region, David Hermann, said it had been a very busy year for crews responding to road traffic crashes.
“Responding to these incidents can take its toll on Fire and Rescue Service crews, as well as Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service volunteers,” Assistant Commissioner Hermann said.
“QFES staff and volunteers play a crucial role in road safety and we’ve been working hard with the community to promote awareness and reduce road trauma.
“The Leave the lights on campaign is another step in the right direction.
“We will continue to collaborate with our emergency service colleagues and you can expect to see our vehicles driving with their headlights on at all times.”
QAS Darling Downs Local Ambulance Service Network (DDLASN) Acting Assistant Commissioner Tony Armstrong said that campaign would be a strong reminder for the public and had the support of local QAS crews who were on the front line in responding to serious and fatal traffic crashes.
“The Leave the lights on campaign will assist in providing a reminder to all road users to take precautions when travelling,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Armstrong said.
