Jimboomba police have teamed up with a motor racing legend and Bathurst 1000 winner in a campaign aimed to curb risks drivers are taking during COVID-19 restrictions.
Seven-time Bathurst 1000 winner Craig Lowndes, who built a career out of driving fast, is urging motorists to slow down and mnimise risks ahead of Fatality Free Friday on May 29.
The Fatality Free Friday campaign comes as frightening research is released by the Australian Road Safety Foundation, revealing one in four drivers are taking extra risks behind the wheel.
It climbs when adult passengers are in the car, with 57 per cent admitting to taking extra risks when driving with others.
One in three admitted to speeding, using their phone or driving distracted with kids in the car.
Despite less cars being on the road because of the COVID-19 measures, the road toll was only 12.5 per cent down on last year.
Jimboomba's officer in charge, Senior Sergeant Peter Waugh, said some drivers were not heeding officers' safety please.
"The message doesn't change," Senior Sergeant Waugh said.
"Traffic is increasing as restrictions are relaxed, and we are telling drivers to take care.
"Don't drink and drive, don't speed and don't use your mobile phone while driving.
"Please remember school zones. Some kids haven't been around schools in a while and might not be as aware of traffic."
Lowndes, who was on the podium at Bathurst 14 times, said every road user had the choice to make the right decisions when behind the wheel.
"Now is not the time to relax. There is no room for complacency on the roads now, or ever, and all lives must be top of mind for road users at all times," he said.
"The stark reality is that any time you take a risk behind the wheel, you are putting the lives of every motorist, passenger, cyclist and pedestrian around you at risk.
"Together, we can save precious lives on our roads."
According to the research, speeding has increased 19 per cent, with three-quarters surveyed admitting to be heavy-footed.
There has also been an 11 per cent spike in mobile phone use while driving, and drink-driving is up two per cent.
Drivers are urged to head to the foundation's website at arsf.com.au to take the pledge.
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