Driver error is real killer

New statistics pinpoint main reasons for fatal Far North crashes

DRIVERS who think their remote location means they are entitled to ignore a key traffic rule are causing carnage on Far North roads, according to police.

Cairns country north patrol group Inspector Dave Perry said not wearing seatbelts was an issue.

“A proper interpretation of the figures would suggest we seem to be having a lot more single-vehicle traffic incidences that are resulting in fatalities,” he said.

“During the investigation of those incidents we are also identifying there are things like people are failing to wear seatbelts in isolated and remote areas.

“We think it is contributing to the fact that it is a fatality.

“Some of these areas, it’s hard for police to be present all the time, it makes it difficult to police in some areas.”

The latest statistics from Transport and Main Roads show 26 people have died on Far North roads this year.

A breakdown of the available figures from January 1 to May 31 detailed the reasons for 13 of those fatalities.

Four (30.8 per cent) involved speeding drivers, six (46.2 per cent) involved drivers over 60, four (30.8 per cent) had heavy freight vehicles, four (30.8 per cent) involved motorbikes and five (38.5 per cent) involved road conditions.

Inspector Perry said drink driving was also a concern.

“I can’t speak primarily for the Far North but Queensland-wide drink driving contributes significantly to our fatalities,” he said.

While some crashes are unavoidable, Inspector Perry said key areas of concern were the highway between Innisfail and Cairns and the highway between Mareeba and Mount Garnet.

A Transport and Main Roads spokesman reminded motorists to stick to speed limits, abide by road rules, and drive to conditions.

“All motorists need to be aware of the fatal five and take them seriously: drink and drug driving, fatigue, inattention, not wearing a seatbelt or not wearing it correctly and speeding,” he said.

The latest fatality happened on Wednesday afternoon.

A 63-year-old man from

Karabar, New South Wales died after his car left the road and rolled just outside of Mareeba.

The driver and only person in the car was travelling in a black 2001 Ford Mustang along the Kennedy Highway around 500 metres west of Davies Creek Road in a southwesterly direction.

A passing motorist came across the crash and rendered first aid to the man but he died at the scene from his injuries.