It seems that over the recent weeks and months every time I turn on the news, I’m faced with devastating news stories of fatal road accidents.
Road safety is an issue close to my heart and when I hear of these recent road accidents and families having to go through what my own family has been through it is heartbreaking.
My younger brother Dean was just 20 when he was killed in a traffic accident 30 years ago. The pain never goes away.
Right now, the City of Logan is facing one of our worst years on the road. Already 10 people have lost their lives on the city’s roads this year – double the number people as this time last year. If the trend continues, we’ll have our worst road toll since 2009, it’s a record we don’t want to break.
Six of the fatalities this year have been motorcyclists. I don’t want to pick on any motorist, but we can’t argue with the statistics. I can’t stress enough if you have someone in your family who rides a motorbike, please chat to them about safe driving. And as car drivers we also need to be motorcyclist aware – always do mirror and shoulder checks when turning.
We know that so many of these accidents are unavoidable – the top four causes of fatal car accidents are speeding, alcohol consumption, driver fatigue and inattention/distractions while driving.
It makes my blood boil when I see someone taking unnecessary risks on our roads – it is a complete lack of care and consideration for all other road users.
As the new school term begins it is a timely reminder there are more cars on the road so, please be patient and drive to the conditions.
Council is working closely with Queensland Police Service to educate the public and evaluate the safety and design of our roads.
We all have a responsibility when it comes to road safety, and we can all play our part to reduce the carnage on our roads.
