Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey has paid tribute to Queensland road workers as the State marked its inaugural Caudell Altoft Remembrance Event (CARE) on Sunday.
The commemoration is part of the United Nations World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
The nation’s first CARE day specifically acknowledges Queensland traffic controllers, Suzanne Caudell and Ken Altoft who were killed while on duty in separate incidents by distracted speeding drivers.
Mr Bailey said it was victims’ families, friends, communities and first responders to incidents who bore the lifelong pain and trauma of lives lost on our roads.
“We often take for granted we will reach our destination safely, and sadly this is not the case for too many Australians who are killed or seriously injured in crashes,” Mr Bailey said.
October was one of the worst months for fatal crashes so far this year, with 23 people killed on Queensland roads.
“We’re only a few weeks away from the start of summer school holidays and the Christmas season – we want it to be a happy time for everyone,” the Minister said.
He said the UN’s 2019 theme was Life is Not a Car Part, reminding people that unlike car parts, lives were not replaceable.
Mr Bailey also commended Safer Australian Roads and Highways and its founder, Peter Frazer for launching CARE Day.
