Police Minister Jack Dempsey
January 23, 2013

Queensland motorists are being urged to take care on the roads in the coming week with thousands of people returning from holidays in time for the start of the school year.

Police Minister Jack Dempsey urged drivers to take extra care on the roads, with higher volumes of traffic expected across the state.

“Every day police and emergency services are working to make sure people reach their destination safely,” Mr Dempsey said.

“Already this year, 22 people have lost their lives on Queensland roads – far too many so early in the year.

“If every motorist obeys the Fatal Five by wearing a seat belt, not driving fatigued, paying attention, observing the speed limit and not drink or drug driving, we can make our roads a lot safer.”

The end of the holidays also rings in a new school year and Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington is urging motorists to take extra care around school zones from next week.

“With school back on Tuesday I’m urging all motorists keep a good eye out for increased traffic and children around our region’s schools,” Mrs Frecklington said.

“There will be plenty of excited children being dropped off in school zones and, as we know, young ones can also be unpredictable around roads. So taking a little extra care in school zones and sticking to the speed limit can go a long way to preventing a tragedy.

“It is also important that parents teach their children about road safety, make sure they have the correct restraints when travelling in a car, and ensure bike helmets adhere to safety standards.”

Police have also warned motorists of increased speed camera operations occurring in school zones in the coming weeks.

State Traffic Branch Chief Superintendent Andy Morrow said officers will target school zones looking out for drivers speeding in in 40km/h zones and parents ignoring parking restrictions near drop-off and pick-up zones.