Police are reminding the community that every choice behind the wheel could save, change or take a life, this Queensland Road Safety Week.
From 18 to 22 August, Wide Bay Burnett district police will be focusing on enforcing the Fatal Five and reminding people of their responsibility on the road, through high visibility and covert patrols of highways, major roads, rural roads, and suburban streets.
The Road Policing Taskforce will also be deployed across the district this week to bolster local police efforts in taking enforcement action.
Wide Bay Burnett District Officer Superintendent Anne Vogler said this is bigger than a one-week event.
"Road safety remains a top priority for us all year round through business-as-usual policing and ongoing traffic operations like Operation Xray Precession," Superintendent Vogler said.
"However, I urge you to use this week as an opportunity to pause and reflect on how you drive, ride, walk or use our roads.
"Road safety is a shared responsibility whether you're a driver, passenger, rider, or pedestrian. One poor decision can lead to lifelong consequences."
187 lives have been lost on Queensland roads so far this year, with 26 of them being in the Wide Bay Burnett district.
Superintendent Vogler said the district has more deaths on our roads than any other area in Queensland.
"This is a tragic statistic that we are not proud of and one that needs to change.
"But this is not just about fatalities. We also see people sustain life changing injuries including spinal damage, traumatic brain injuries and amputations, after being involved in a traffic incident.
"There is no excuse for dangerous driving.
"We can and will fine you, charge you and suspend your licence if you're committing an offence that puts the safety of yourself or others at risk.
"We tow a hard line on this with a zero-tolerance approach, because we see firsthand what road trauma can do to a family and a community.
"I urge you to be familiar with the Fatal Five - speeding, distraction, drink and drug driving, driving tired and not using seatbelts - and do everything in your power to avoid these proven causes of serious traffic crashes.
"No Fatal Five offences are accidental.
"Please work with us to keep our community safe."
Road safety is everyone's responsibility. Learn more about staying safe on Queensland roads: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/fatal-five-staying-safe-roads
The Queensland Police Service is committed to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads.
Data shows that serious crashes can be significantly reduced when drivers recognise and avoid the 'Fatal Five' behaviours: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue and distraction.
Road safety is everyone's responsibility. Learn more about staying safe on Queensland roads: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/fatal-five-staying-safe-roads
