One hundred lives have already been lost on Queensland roads this year and the Queensland Police Service (QPS) is making an urgent plea to all road users to make safer choices before another life is taken.
April has been the deadliest month so far, claiming 27 lives in road crashes across the state.
This milestone comes as National Road Safety Week (May 11 – 18) – a time to remember those who have lost their lives or been injured on roads and commit to safer driving – comes to a close.
QPS Road Policing and Regional Support Command Acting Assistant Commissioner Shane Holmes said officers continue to be deeply concerned that despite ongoing efforts, Queensland’s most vulnerable and high risk-road users are continuing to lose their lives on our roads.
“Despite increasing patrols, operations and public awareness campaigns, we are still seeing far too many Queenslanders taking unnecessary risks on our roads,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Holmes said.
“Some road users are displaying a complete disregard for their own safety and the safety of others.
“These 100 lives lost aren’t just statistics – this number represents real people.
“Mothers, fathers, sons, daughters and friends, whose lives have been cut short.
As part of its ongoing commitment to road safety, QPS is using advanced data and technology to identify high-risk behaviours and areas, to target its enforcement and education efforts and help make Queensland roads safer.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Holmes emphasised that enforcement alone was not enough.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility – every driver, rider, passenger and pedestrian has a role to play,” he said.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe on Queensland roads and everyone deserves to make it home safely.”
Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) Metro North Assistant Commissioner Tony Armstrong said 100 lives lost on Queensland roads this year is a devastating reminder for road users to make safe choices.
“Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy, and it’s up to all of us to make the right decisions so we all get home safely,” Assistant Commissioner Armstrong said.
“Road fatalities not only impact you – but your loved ones, your community, and the emergency services who are dedicated to assist you.
“Slow down, driver sober, put your phone away – it’s these simple decisions that can save a life, maybe even your own.”
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Learn more about staying safe on Queensland roads: www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/fatal-five-staying-safe-roads
