Bundaberg Region motorists are being reminded to check their driving habits as part of 2022 Queensland Road Safety Week.
QRSW is an annual event delivered in partnership between the Department of Transport and Main Roads and Queensland Police Service.
Now in its eighth year, QRSW is being celebrated from 22 to 26 August 2022 with the theme ‘Road safety starts with me’.
Bundaberg Police Senior Sergeant Michael McGarry said this week was not only about enforcement but also about engaging with road users on different behaviours that could easily be changed to make the road a safer place.
He said everyday behaviours could be directly transferable to situations on the road.
“What is a dangerous hazard when you’re distracted looking at your phone in public is an even more dangerous choice on the road,” he said.
“Being tempted to go fast and weaving around others to save a few seconds on your trip is a dangerous choice on a scooter or bike, and an even more dangerous choice on the road.
“Letting impatience take over and encroaching on someone’s space at the grocery store is a general annoyance there but a dangerous choice on the road.”
Snr Sergeant McGarry said drivers needed to hold themselves accountable for what happened on the road.
“Which behaviours can you easily make a change to, to make our roads a safer place?” he said.
“A safer drive starts with you.”
New speed cameras target drivers
As part of Queensland Road Safety Week it was announced new speed camera technology will target speeding drivers in school zones and roadworks across the state.
The world-first road safety initiative was announced by Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey who said the new cameras would go live next month.
“I’m pleased to announce that new cameras will target speeding drivers in both school and roadworks zones to keep Queensland kids and workers safe,” Mr Bailey said.
“I don’t want to see another roadworker killed or someone’s child badly injured on their way to school just because of the recklessness of a speeding driver.
“These cameras will pop up in high-risk locations next month so I am giving Queenslanders fair warning that these can be anywhere, anytime.
“It’s vital we do everything we can to keep the vulnerable in our community safe on our roads and these cameras will help to achieve that.”
Superintendent Janelle Andrews said speeding was one of the leading causes of fatalities and serious injuries on Queensland’s roads.
“During 2021 there were 74 fatalities as the result of crashes involving speeding motorists, representing almost 27 per cent of Queensland road fatalities,” she said.
“Thousands more road users are seriously injured in crashes.
“Speed kills and there is no apology for enforcing speed limits in school zones and roadworks sites.
“These new speed cameras force drivers to slow down in order to avoid a fine or incur demerit points, there is no penalty for doing the right thing.”
This new enforcement technology is part of the Camera Detected Offence Program.
Camera fines are used to fund important road safety initiatives and education across Queensland.
Speeding fines increased
Mr Bailey also reminded drivers about increased penalties which came into effect on 1 July.
“In line with our tough stance on road safety, we have increased penalties,” Mr Bailey said.
“Now if you speed 1-10km/h over the limit you will be fined $287 and one demerit point, and between 11-20km/h the fine is $431 and three demerit points.
“Slowing to the speed limit during designated times in school zones is the best thing you can do for the students moving around you, and for your bank balance and driving record.”
For more information about road safety around schools visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au
More information about Queensland Road Safety Week 2022 is available online at https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/qrsw-2022/.
The 3 biggest problems with BUNDABERG traffic is failure of drivers to use indicators,slow drivers (20-30km/hr below speed limit) and drivers stopping at round abouts with no traffic to give way too! It would be good to see these drivers targeted not the speeders, hoons and impatient drivers who we are told impact our local streets!
Drivers should not indicate right to drive straight on at roundabouts, it slows or stops traffic intending to enter the roundabout from the opposite direction.
Indicate left approaching the roundabout to take the first exit.
No signal is required approaching the roundabout to take the second exit (straight on). Signal right approaching the roundabout to take the third exit (turning right).
When on the roundabout, start signalling left to exit as you pass the exit before the one you will take.
e.g. if going straight on, signal left as you pass the first exit.
Let’s all help this way to improve the flow and reduce the frustration.
The big thing we need to change is unnecessary driving to reduce congestion, increase available parking space & improve fitness. Think before you get in your vehicle do you need to drive there? If you are transporting something heavy, transporting other people or going a long distance ok.
If you are going only a short distance & not carrying alot Walk, Jog, Run, Grab a Neuron Scooter, Ride a bike, Skateboard, Rollerblades ect… just think how much petrol you will save.