NINE lives have already been lost on Logan District roads this year.
Jimboomba police officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Peter Waugh said almost all of these fatalities could have been avoided by adhering to road safety practices.
“Our analysis of the statistics shows a vast majority of these traffic crashes could have been avoided. Almost all of the serious crashes and fatalities are caused by illegal offences,” he said.
“This is why we have a partnership with Logan City Council to use various messaging boards as part of a joint traffic initiative.
“We are hoping through the use of high visibility messaging that we will see reduced traffic accidents and also address bad habits.”
Four fatalities were recorded in the Jimboomba District, two at Beenleigh, one at North Tamborine, one at Browns Plains and one at Crestmead.
The Jimboomba Times recorded 29 crashes and three deaths on the Mount Lindesay Highway between Browns Plains and Woodhill in less than six months in 2017.
The Logan District 2018 road toll accounts for more than 10 per cent of 87 Queensland fatalities.
This is seven more than this time in 2017.
These shocking figures come ahead of Fatality Free Friday on May 25 next week.
Motorists are encouraged to pledge to always be fit to drive, stay focused on the road, scan the road ahead, keep a safe distance and drive to suit conditions.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said one fatality was one too many.
“We all make choices each time we get behind the wheel and in some cases, these choices can have devastating consequences,” he said.
“By working together we can reduce the burden of road trauma on our communities.”
Australian Road Safety Foundation founder Russell White said it was important for people to identify bad habits which could lead to further fatalities.
“People choose to speed, use a mobile phone, drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, to not wear a seatbelt or run a red light,” he said.
“We know drink driving remains one of the major causes of death and serious injuries on Queensland roads.”
To make a pledge or find a local Fatality Free Friday event visit www.fatalityfreefriday.com.
