POLICE are promising to be everywhere for the final stretch of the school holidays.
Following high road casualties over the past 12 months, police are hoping to eliminate fatalities during July.
The only way to do that is to crack down on speeding, fatigue and other contributors to road accidents, they say.
Acting Inspector David Campbell has been leading the charge and called on all road users to play their part to safeguard the community and first responders from the tragedy and trauma of needless loss.
“We will do everything in our power to stop further carnage on our roads and we urge the community to help,” he said.
“Whether you’re on the Warrego, Cunningham or New England highway, you can expect to encounter police fatal five enforcement activity and we make no apologies for it.
“That means the targeting of speeding, fatigue, inattention, wearing seat belts, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. And we’re not just focused on the main arterials, either, you can expect us anytime, anywhere.”
There have been 35 deaths in the southern region this year – 14 more than last year.
“Until it happens to someone you love, or you’re involved in the emergency response it’s difficult to fathom the reality of fatal traffic crashes,” acting inspector Campbell said.
“We never forget the lives behind those numbers – their tragedy becomes our trauma.
“There’s only so much public education activities, a police officer holding a radar gun or manning a speed camera can do, as a community we all need to step up and take responsibility every time we get behind the wheel.
“I’ve heard every excuse in the book offered by Queenslanders—from all walks of life—attempting to explain away their blatant disregard for our ‘fatal five’.
“What they’re really saying is they don’t care about their actions or the deadly consequences they could bring.”
Inspector Campbell said passengers, riders, cyclists and pedestrians also played a crucial role in road safety.
