Crucial for all to drive safely

ANOTHER road fatality, another horrific scene confronting emergency personnel and another family’s life turned upside down.

The Far North has recorded another road death, a 45-year-old woman after her car collided headon with a truck.

In the past two weeks six Far North residents have been killed and over the weekend there were six deaths in the North and Far North.

Tuesday’s fatality came a day after police launched a blitz on the region’s roads.

The police are lifting their profile in a high-visibility presence, not aimed at nabbing motorists, but as a prevention measure, to slow drivers down, deter drink and drug-driving, stop motorists driving when tired and ensuring they wear seatbelts.

Motor vehicles are lethal weapons and must be treated with respect and care.

A driver’s licence is a privilege, not a right.

Driving safely on the region’s roads is everyone’s responsibility.

Any moment of inattention can quickly turn to tragedy.

The fatal five must be avoided: speeding, intoxication (drugs and/or alcohol), failure to wear a seat belt, driver fatigue and distraction.

The campaign started on Monday and comes before the school holidays begin on Friday when far more holiday-makers will hit the roads with their families.

Plan ahead, take the time to reach your destination and take regular breaks.

Traffic police have had enough of the stupidity on the region’s roads.

Everyone should be able to reach their journey’s end safely and in one piece.