Opinion: Drivers need to take some responsibility

Concerns about crashes in the Jimboomba area inevitably lead to talk about the Mount Lindesay Highway needing to be upgraded.

No one can argue against the need for improvements. The area’s population has increased, public transport options are limited and more people are using the road.

Getting onto the Mount Lindesay Highway at some intersections is difficult, especially when one needs to cross the traffic.

Notwithstanding the need for upgrades, drivers have a responsibility to take care, drive according to the rules and conditions and be in a condition in which they are able to drive safely.

In the last few weeks police have charged a number of motorists for driving excessively over the speed limit.

Last week one person was fined for driving at 110 km/h in a 60km/h zone, while another was nabbed at 108km/h, also in a 60km/h zone. Furthermore, four drivers were instructed to appear in court on drink-driving charges. Police will allege they recorded blood alcohol levels of between 0.107 and 0.165.

Fortunately these drivers were stopped by police and were not involved in a crash.

Transport and Main Roads statistics for fatal crashes in Queensland in the first six months of this year show that 21.8 per cent of fatal crashes involved speeding drivers or riders, 24.4 per cent involved drink-drivers or riders and 10.9 per cent involved unlicensed drivers or riders.

These are all actions for which drivers are responsible. 

Queensland police have launched Operation Safe Speed to target speeding and other road rule breaches to improve road safety.

The Times supports the police action and calls on motorists to obey road rules for the safety of all of us.

What do you think?

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