Toll hits 14 in six months
FOURTEEN lives have been lost on Darling Downs roads in only the first six months of the year, a stark increase from the death toll in the first half of 2021.
As the most dangerous month on our roads looms, the Queensland Police Service has revealed the shocking numbers of fatal car accidents in the region.
The number of fatal crashes in the region has increased to 10 so far in 2022 from eight this time last year on the Darling Downs.
In the Southern region, which encompasses the Ipswich and Moreton region, fatal crashes are up from 19 to 29 in 2022.
Fourteen people have died on Darling Downs roads since January 1 this year, and in the Southern district 35 people have died.
At this time last year, nine people had died in the Darling Downs and 20 in the Southern district.
Emergency services have issued impassioned pleas to residents thinking of travelling these upcoming school holidays.
To combat the already high death toll on the roads, the QPS is preparing to launch Operation Zero.
A QPS spokeswoman explained the operation would aim to see zero road trauma incidents in the month of July, with increased police presence and an emphasis on safe driving and observation of the fatal five.
The spokeswoman said police would have zero tolerance for any fatal five-related offending, which includes speeding, fatigue, inattention, not wearing seatbelts, and driving under the influence.
Already across the state, paramedics are attending to horrific crashes, according to senior paramedic Dermot Kelly.
“The saddest part is that 99% of road traffic crashes these days are preventable,” he said.
“Most of them are caused by speed, lack of concentration or not driving to weather and road conditions or being aware of your surroundings.
“Thankfully, because modern cars are the way they are, the chances of loss of life are reducing as long as people are wearing seat belts and doing the right thing.”
To see the faces of the people who have died on the road in 2022, head to thechronicle.com.au.