Today’s front page story is a stark reminder of the dangers on our roads.
“Blakey” died when his motorbike hit the rear of another car at around 80km per hour.
A former alderman on Logan City Council says the accident could have been prevented with better infrastructure.
Residents who live near the intersection of Isla St and Chambers Flat Rd agree, having seen repeat accidents.
If residents are right, developers are putting in temporary access ways without building the types of right turn lanes which would be required of a more permanent access point.
These “temporary” access points can be there for years, creating a potential death trap for motorists.
At least one councillor is blaming an outdated town plan which permits the temporary access ways. A new town plan will be in place in 2025 – more than three years away.
Police often speak about the need for motorists to be aware of the “fatal four” – things which most commonly cause road deaths.
They are speeding, failing to wear a seatbelt, drinking and driving, and fatigued driving.
The thing which frustrates emergency service workers – the ones who are often responsible for cleaning up after road fatalities and informing families of their loss – is that all deaths caused by one of these infringements could be prevented by more responsible behaviour.
If it’s true that improper signage or infrastructure is to blame for road deaths outside new housing estates, then these too can be put into the category of preventable deaths.
While it is commendable that council is spending millions of dollars on a new town plan, it is not good enough to sit on their hands until the new plan is complete.
If something – anything – is found to be responsible for a pointless death of any type, it is always within council’s power to pass an amendment to existing by-laws in order to make our communities safer.
It would make sense to investigate. And if there are known dangers, go about fixing them. Now.
