Police aim to crack Easter road toll

POLICE are urging motorists to take a long hard look at their driving behaviour these Easter holidays after a record high road toll is reported for 2016 already.
Tragically 49 people have lost their lives on Queensland roads during the first two and a half months of 2016.
With this year’s road toll already 10 more than the same time last year, Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating of the Road Policing Command said safer driving habits will make a significant difference to road safety, and the road toll.
“Every person lost on a Queensland road is a tragedy of unimaginable proportions … changing driver behaviour and habits can and does make a difference,” he said.
“We know that speeding kills, drink and drug driving kills, not wearing seatbelts or driving while fatigued or distracted kills.
“These are not new phenomena. We know that these are the ‘Fatal Five’ causes of fatal and serious road crashes, and yet, every day across Queensland drivers are willing to risk their lives, your life, and that of your family.
“Drivers need to stop and take a long hard look at their driving behaviour.”
Asst Comm Keating urged every motorist to think about their driving habits and behaviour in a bid to make roads safer.
“You know who you are. You know if you speed, or drink or take drugs before getting behind the wheel. You know if you take short cuts and drive too aggressively. You know if your driving behaviour is risky, and you need to stop,” he said.
“I’m urging every motorist to think about their driving habits and behaviour. Take note of the ‘Fatal Five’ and eliminate them from your driving. It’ll make for a safer drive for everyone.”
Noosa Heads officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Steve McReight echoed the sentiments saying local police were busy preparing for an Easter blitz on roads and up the beach.
“We will be out in force this Easter and will be carrying out collaborative road blitz across the shire,” he said.
“We will also be up the beach; drivers need to remember that the area between the high and low water lines are considered a road and road rules apply.
“Be careful up the beach because if you injure yourself you’re far away from medical help.
“Stay safe this weekend and look after yourself and your mates.”