Drivers are urged to travel safely as state’s road fatalities increase

IN 2019, Queensland had the lowest number of road fatalities since records began, but last year and this year, the state has seen that number rise.

Earlier this month, four Queenslanders died on the state’s roads in one day, with Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey urging drivers to travel safely as school resumes.

“Tragically, we’ve now lost 142 lives on Queensland roads in 2021, but these aren’t just numbers – these are all people whose lives have been cut short, and who have left families and friends behind,” Mr Bailey said.

“As many Queenslanders return from school holidays, we’re urging everyone to stay safe and avoid the Fatal Five – drink and drug driving, driving fatigued, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, and driving distracted.”

With the state government investing almost $1.7 billion in road safety, Mr Bailey said it was their goal to make Queensland’s roads as safe as they can be.

“This work will see us prioritise safety upgrades, improve driver education, make school zones safer and develop policies to reduce road crashes and trauma,” he said.

As part of this road safety program, a number of mobile and fixed cameras will be rolled out later this month to catch drivers illegally using their mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts.

“From September this year, Queensland will also have tougher penalties for drink drivers, with first-time offenders who are convicted of drink driving and have their licence disqualified, required to complete a new education program before they can get their licence back,” Mr Bailey said.

“We’re doing our bit, but we need road users to do theirs.”