BEAUDESERT Police Station officer-in-charge Ken Murray has called on motorists to pay careful attention on the roads and drive to conditions as the number of people killed in traffic crashes across Queensland this year passes 140.
Senior Sergeant Murray identified the roads in and out of town as locations where motorists had a tendency to speed and warned that the habit could have potentially fatal consequences.
He said disobeying speed limits, failing to give way and overtaking could contribute to a dangerous and life-threatening situation.
His reminder to pay careful attention behind the wheel comes just months after a 74-year-old motorcyclist was killed in a crash at the Logan River Williams Bridge.
"With COVID, there have been changes in road conditions and the movement of people," Senior Sergeant Murray said.
"Now that restrictions have been lifted, people are driving more than before and probably aren't driving as safely as what they should be or following road signage and speed limits as they should.
"Speed, failing to give way and overtaking incorrectly contribute to a dangerous situation where vehicles, particularly at speed, impact others.
"In sections, that can cause catastrophic impacts with terrible injuries, which includes people dying.
"If people were somewhat more aware, payed more attention to their driving, we could reduce the amount of fatalities on our roads."
Senior Sergeant Murray said motorists should always drive to road conditions, particularly when it is wet.
He said the behaviour of motorists during the recent closure of Telemon Street had been a concern, with people driving on the wrong side of the road and failing to obey signage.
"It was probably just luck more than anything that nothing happened," Senior Sergeant Murray said.
"A driver must give due care to the manner of their driving, be aware of other people's driving and be aware of the road conditions.
"Some roads are excellent but others - due to the camber of the road, the weather, erosion or other factors - can be degraded.
"Remember when it is wet, your breaking distances are considerably reduced. That's why there is a tendency when it is wet to see more accidents."
A total of 140 people have been killed on the state's roads this year, which is about an 11 per cent increase on the same point in 2019.
Motorcyclists and moped riders make up about 20 per cent of all road fatalities this year.
"Our mains roads in and out of town, where the speed limit exceeds 80km/h towards 100km/h, is where people have a tendency to exceed speed," Senior Sergeant Murray said.
" ... Accidents at that speed could cause catastrophic collisions and deaths.
"All we ever ask for is for people to drive safely, pay attention to the roads, have patience and generally drive in a safe manner."
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