Sunshine Coast police have joined forces with the Department of Transport to raise awareness on the importance of road safety for this year’s Queensland Road Safety Week.
Every day, road crashes devastate the lives of Queenslanders and take an enormous toll on families and communities.
So far this year, ten lives have been lost in crashes on roads within the Sunshine Coast District, compared to six lives at the same time in 2020.
Sunshine Coast District Superintendent Craig Hawkins said the increase is a grim reminder that every decision you make behind the wheel, counts.
“The fatal five factors of speed, drink driving, drug driving, fatigue and not wearing seat belts has a direct consequence on your life and those around you,” Superintendent Hawkins said.
“On the Sunshine Coast you can expect police anywhere, anytime targeting these offences to ensure the safety of all road users,” he said.
“Putting road safety first should be your priority every time you use the road – regardless or whether you’re a driver, passenger, pedestrian, bicycle rider, motorcycle rider, or a combination of these.”
Superintendent Hawkins said motorcyclists remain our most vulnerable road users and are 30 times more likely to be killed in the event of a road crash than car occupants.
“This year we’ve conducted traffic operations targeting the influx of recreational riders travelling to the Sunshine Coast hinterland in particular where the winding roads can sometimes be treated as race tracks.
“Whether riding for 15 years or just a few months, it is paramount that all riders practice the basics and know that their actions on the road have direct consequences on their lives and those around them.”
Queensland Road Safety Week is an annual event raising awareness of the importance of road safety, delivered in partnership between the Department of Transport and Main Roads) and Queensland Police Service.
