The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has called on the public to reflect on the harrowing fact that 200 lives have been lost on the State’s roads so far this year.
In a statement, the QPS said the death toll was not just a number, but reflected a reality that countless numbers of others — family, friends and co-workers — had had their lives changed in circumstances that more likely than not, could have been avoided.
“Lives lost on our roads this year are on a trajectory to reach their highest number in over a decade,” the QPS said.
“Already, the 200 lives lost are 14 more than this time last year,” it said.
The QPS said the largest increase had been on roads across Brisbane (plus 10), Southern (plus six) and North Coast (plus six) regions.
“If this goes on, more than 300 lives will have been ended on our roads by Christmas,” it said.
“Police across the State are committed to reducing road trauma and the devastating effects it has on families and communities.
“We know only too well that factors such as speed, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt and fatigue are consistent contributors to fatal road crashes.”
The QPS said every one of these factors could be traced back to a decision made by an individual.
“The reality is there are not enough police cars to be on every road all day,” it said.
“It takes you to make the safest decision for you, your passengers and other road users.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility — so take responsibility and cut this terrible and unnecessary toll,” the QPS said.