August 24, 2016
The focus on Day 3 of Road Safety Week is fatigue and seatbelts … factors that have been involved in recent road crashes in the South Burnett.
Officer-in-charge of Kingaroy Police, Senior Sergeant Duane Frank said fatigue was very difficult to control, but tired drivers must stop and rest.
“If you are planning a long drive, make sure you have plenty of rest the night before, and take a break every two hours,” he said.
Snr Sgt Frank said police believed believed “micro-sleeps” – where drivers nod off for a few seconds – could explain some recent crashes in the South Burnett where vehicles had left the road and rolled, or smashed into trees.
He said it had been “sheer luck” that these crashes had not been fatal.
Snt Sgt Frank emphasised that seat belts save lives if a crash does occur.
“It is the driver’s responsibility that all passengers are wearing seatbelts,” he said.
“And children must be restrained in the appropriate restraints.”
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The Queensland road toll for 2016 currently stands at 155, with 11 deaths so far in August.
- External link: Seatbelt Offences and Penalties
