Queenslanders are being urged to pay particular attention to their driving habits this week, as the state’s annual Road Safety Week kicks off across the region.
With the road toll siting already more than 170 lives lost so far on Qld roads this year – 14 more than this time in 2017 – drivers are urged consider the risks of unsafe driving every time we got behind the wheel.
From August 27-31, the annual campaign is hoping to highlight different road user groups including motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, heavy vehicle drivers and motorcyclists in a bid to lowe the annual road traunma.
Queensland’s Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey, said the campaign was a fantastic opportunity to particularly highlight road safety for the entire state.
“We are preparing for our fourth annual Queensland Road Safety Week next week, but driving safely is a year-round responsibility for all motorists,” he said.
“Last year, distraction, drink driving and riding, fatigue, speeding and not wearing a seatbelt were a factor in 56% of road deaths. These, more than any other road deaths, are preventable and unnecessary.”
“In total, 247 people were tragically killed and 6450 people were hospitalised in 2017 – many with life-altering injuries.”
Communities, schools, sporting groups and workplaces are being encouraged to support the week by hosting local events or sharing road safety information among staff, students, colleagues, family and friends.
The campaign is also encouraging supporters to share a personal story, suggest a road safety tip, test their road rules knowledge, or make a pledge to improve just one thing to be safer on the road.
For more details on Queensland’s Road Safety Week, click here.
