Drivers have been urged to put safety first as they travel around the sunshine state these school holidays, with hundreds of road workers deployed to road upgrade work sites.
Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey said with many families expected to hit the road for the first time since COVID-19 started and hundreds of workers delivering infrastructure, drivers needed to pay particular attention when driving.
“We’ve made huge strides combatting COVID-19, which is why Queenslanders are Good to Go these school holidays, but we can’t afford to see that translate into deaths on our roads,” Mr Bailey said.
“Worryingly though, data shows more lives have been lost on our roads so far this year compared to 2019, so I’m pleading with drivers to pay particular attention to any changed traffic conditions and keep an eye out for our hard working crews.”
He said 112 lives have been lost in 2020 to-date, 15 more than the same period last year (as at June 25).
“From Cairns to Brisbane on the mighty Bruce to our western roads and the M1, there’s a $23 billion pipeline of road and transport projects supporting 21,500 workers – and we want every single worker to come home safe,” Mr Bailey said.
RACQ Head of Technical and Safety Policy, Steve Spalding said it was crucial motorists did everything in their power to protect those working on or near a road.
“Roadworkers are often in high speed, high traffic situations and are very vulnerable to a collision, which is why it’s crucial motorists slow down and take extra care around roadworks,” Ms Spalding said.
“Drivers also need to remember lower speed limits are put in place at roadworks not only for the safety of workers, but also the safety of motorists.”
Mr Bailey said to coincide with the holidays, the Palaszczuk Government was also launching a #KeepSafeThisRoadTrip campaign.
“We know the vast majority of fatalities on our roads are because of the fatal five: speed, fatigue, seat belt use, driver distraction, and drink/drug driving,” Mr Bailey said.
The #KeepSafeThisRoadTrip campaign highlights the fatal five road safety messages through a targeted campaign including: billboard, petrol pumps, radio and Spotify commercials, as well as a strong digital and social media presence.
The campaign encourages everyone to remember the following to stay safe over the holiday break:
- Slow down, stay safe and drive to the conditions.
- Take a break every two hours.
- Make sure you always buckle up and check your passengers too.
- Don’t drink and drive. Save the drinks for when you get there.
- Keep your eyes on the road, not your phone.
