Southport drivers worst
Motorists in the suburb recorded double the number of road accidents
SOUTHPORT drivers are officially the worst on the Gold Coast, shocking new data shows.
Part one of Gold Coast Bulletin‘s Crash Test Dummies investigation reveals motorists in the CBD have had double the number of accidents since 2017. Robina and Helensvale are next.
But Southport MP Rob Molhoek has defended his driving mates, saying skewed catchment data and more major thoroughfares are to blame.
“Southport has the largest police station on the Gold Coast, you have the court, you have all the offices for major insurance companies,” he said.
“Often times the stats get reported as Southport but actually they’re from other places around the Coast. Southport’s just the CBD.
“If you look at crime stats I’m sure it’s the same.
“The other issue with Southport is you’ve got (the Smith St Motorway) running straight through it, Ross St, Olsen Ave, Ferry Rd, and then the Gold Coast Hwy running right through the middle.
“There’s a lot more activity on the main roads (compared to other suburbs). I think you’ll find even parts of the M1 are included in the catchment.”
Theodore MP Mark Boothman
said he was not surprised to learn two of his electorate’s suburbs – Helensvale (306) and Oxenford (230) – were on the list.
He said he did not believe it was the fault of drivers in the area.
“It doesn’t take much imagination to see why we have so many accidents around the area,” he said, adding he believed the suburbs would move higher without further action.
“We have cars going literally here, there and everywhere, cars coming out of car parks.
“The main problem is the infrastructure in the area. People
become very impatient, because they’re stuck in queues, therefore they start taking risks because they want to get through the traffic.”
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said speed continued to be one of the leading causes of crashes.
“Queensland Police Service are seeing higher rates of speeding on Queensland roads, even when there were fewer cars on the road at the height of COVID-19 travel restrictions,” he said.
“On the Gold Coast, we’ve learned this week a quarter of all motorists passing electronic roadside speed warning devices were driving above the speed limit.”
RACQ spokeswoman Lucinda Ross urged drivers to take more care after seeing the “unfortunate” statistics.
“Remember to just take your time, give way correctly, watch for traffic signals and signs and keep a safe following distance to reduce your chance of getting caught in a crash.
“If you do have a crash, make sure you remain calm and exchange all details with the other driver. ”