Media Release

Minister and Police warn drivers to be vigilant for back to school traffic

With the tragic loss of five lives on Queensland roads in the last 24-hours Police Minister Judy Spence and Queensland Police are urging motorists to be vigilant.

With the end of school holidays this weekend and the exodus of pilgrims towards Sydney for World Youth Day police are expecting a busy time on the roads over the next few days.

Ms Spence said that everyone had a part to play in keeping our roads safe.

“While the driver is ultimately responsible for their actions I see nothing wrong with passengers telling the driver that how they are driving is not appropriate,” she said.

“All too often it is passengers that die or are seriously injured when crashes occur. If passengers feel that the driver is doing something that is unsafe then they should tell the driver to stop it.

“If we all work together we can ensure Queensland roads are a safe place for everyone.

“Next Monday and Tuesday school will start again and school zones will be in effect. These zones are put there for the safety of children and young people. I expect police to have zero tolerance for people that put children’s live at risk,” Ms Spence said.

Assistant Commissioner Alan Davey said that police state-wide would be focusing on seatbelts, driver fatigue, speeding and drink–driving.

“It is an absolute tragedy for everyone involved in the three fatal crashes in the past 24 hours. Five people, one of those a child, have lost their lives but so many more people will be touched by the tragedy.

“Families, friends, school–mates, work–mates and emergency crews will all remember these June school holidays in 2008 when a little boy outside Warwick, three people on the Gold Coast and a man at Giru all died.

“Queensland Police will do everything they can to stop the carnage on our roads but we need the public’s help.

“Road safety really does start with each and every one of us. Wearing a seatbelt, not exceeding the speed limit, having a rest at least every two hours or when you feel tired and not drink driving are the basics of safe driving.

“If we can get this right we are going a long way to stopping the fatal and injury crashes that are occurring on our roads each and everyday.