August 25, 2016
It’s Day 4 of Road Safety Week … and the topics police would like drivers to think about are “sharing the roads” and “vulnerable road users”.
Officer-in-charge of Kingaroy Police, Senior Sergeant Duane Frank, said drivers should always be mindful and considerate of other road users.
This meant watching out for motorbikes, bicycles and pedestrians, but also taking extra care when driving near trucks, buses and other heavy vehicles.
Drivers should also be tolerant and patient with L-plate and P-plate drivers who are new to the road and still gaining confidence.
“We’re all busy people, but we need to take the time to show respect to other road users,” Snr Sgt Frank said.
“Aggressive and angry drivers make bad drivers.
“Tailgating, unsafe lane changes, cutting off other drivers and failing to give way all lead to crashes.”
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The Queensland road toll for 2016 currently stands at 156, with 12 deaths so far in August.
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The RACQ also issued a warning on Thursday for drivers to be vigilant around trucks, with the latest figures showing an over-representation of fatalities involving heavy vehicles.
Spokesman Steve Spalding said 24 people had died so far this year in crashes involving heavy vehicles in Queensland.
“Last year, heavy vehicles accounted for less than 3 per cent of all vehicles registered in our State and yet they represented more than 20 per cent of all road fatalities (49 deaths),” Mr Spalding said.
“This year, unfortunately, the trend isn’t improving so it’s important to educate motorists about how to properly share the road with trucks.
“This message is particularly important for drivers in regional areas where large trucks frequent our roads and highways.”
Queensland Trucking Association CEO Gary Mahon agreed, saying motorists needed to be more aware of the differences between cars and heavy vehicles.
“Trucks handle differently and they take longer to stop once the driver hits the brakes,” Mr Mahon said.
“Car drivers need to slow down and ensure they can see a truck’s mirrors. That way they’ll know the truck driver can see them.”
