QUEENSLAND’S peak motoring body the RACQ has urged drivers to make today, Friday, fatality free.
Fatality Free Friday is an annual initiative that aims to achieve no road-related deaths for one day in the calendar year. Communities around Australia mark the day with road safety events.
In Logan, 100 empty pairs of shoes will go on display at Grand Plaza Shopping Centre Browns Plains from 10am, marking the number of lives lost on local roads since 2010.
Nine people have died on Logan roads this year.
RACQ spokesperson Lucinda Ross said it was important for drivers to make a conscious effort to drive safely to help reduce the road toll each and every day.
“There have been 92 deaths in Queensland this year. That’s seven more than this time last year,” Ms Ross said.
“Of course, we should always be driving safely on our roads. Fatality Free Friday is a good reminder to everyone about the importance of not speeding, and the need for all drivers to pay attention and drive to the conditions.
“Motorists should also take care not to drive while tired or affected by drugs or alcohol and to avoid distractions – like your mobile phone.”
Ms Ross said the day was also a good reminder about the importance of keeping vulnerable road users, like those working alongside the road, safe.
“Whether it’s someone broken down on the side of the road, an RACQ patrol or Traffic Response Officer, or an emergency services worker helping someone in need, we need to make sure we keep clear of people in vulnerable situations,” she said.
“If you pass an RACQ or emergency services vehicle on the road or on the side of the road, or a car with its hazard lights on, move over if you can or slow down.
“This helps keep our workers and stranded motorists safe.”
Logan City Council’s display at Grand Plaza Shopping Centre, Browns Plains, features safety information and an inflatable car where people can sign a pledge to do all they can to keep the road toll to zero.
City roads and water committee chair councillor Phil Pidgeon said the location was chosen to reflect the fact that the highest concentration of fatal traffic accidents in the city are happening on the Mount Lindesay Highway corridor to Jimboomba.
Australian Transport Safety Bureau data shows the national road toll to be an average of 5.3 deaths each day.
“That’s five families every day whose lives are changed forever by the simple act of driving a car – something many of us do day in, day out,” Cr Pidgeon said.
“We might think that driving is just about pushing pedals and changing gears, but there’s also a very important mental component.
“Many accidents can be alleviated by drivers being prepared for the unexpected all the time.
“By drivers actively concentrating on road safety for just one day a year, we want them to think about it in the days after and then change their outlook completely.
“What we should remember is that it’s everyone’s responsibility to own road safety; it’s not just up to the government or police or someone else.”
The Fatality Free Friday event is part of SafeRoads4Logan, a Council-led program working in partnership with Queensland Police, the Department of Transport and Main Roads and road users to reduce road trauma.
