Police are focusing on young drivers, impaired drivers and motorcyclists during Queensland Road Safety Week.
The initiative, running from 26-30 August, will see police working towards driving down the number of lives impacted by crashes on our roads.
The Wide Bay Burnett district has sadly lost 18 people on the roads this year – that’s more than any other district in the state.
Wide Bay Burnett District Officer Superintendent Anne Vogler said police were focused on extra enforcement and education this week to halt any increase to that number.
“18 lives is 18 too many,” Superintendent Vogler said.
“Behind each life lost there are friends and family who are left to deal with the sudden and profound impact of losing a loved one – their lives changing forever in matter of moments.
“Beyond the people directly involved in a traffic crash and their loved ones, it also has the potential to have deep and lasting impacts on the emergency services responders and witnesses.
“Whether it be through Queensland Road Safety Week, Operation Whiskey Legion, Operation Whiskey Roscoesoma, Operation Whiskey Nitrox or everyday policing, strengthening road safety is always a top priority for me, on our highways, local roads and beaches.
“However, initiatives like this one are important for us to highlight it and talk about it.
“There will be high visibility and covert traffic enforcement operations across the district this week, and several community engagement events to talk to our fellow members of the community about how they can strengthen their safety on the roads.
“Though police continue to enforce and educate, we need the community to work with us and help us in our mission to make our roads safer.
“We all play a part in making our roads a safer place and driving down the number of lives impacted by crashes.
“It’s up to you to ensure you’re aware of the fatal five and not speeding, drink driving, failing to wear seatbelts or driving while tired or distracted to not only to protect your own life, but also the lives of your passengers and other road users.
“Together, we can strengthen road safety for our community.”
