This Fatality Free Friday (May 30), the Queensland Police Service (QPS) is urging all Queenslanders to pause and reflect on the decisions they make behind the wheel and the life-or-death consequences those decisions can carry.
Fatality Free Friday is a national road safety initiative that encourages all road users to make a conscious commitment to protect lives every time they get behind the wheel.
With more than 100 lives already lost on Queensland roads this year, QPS is urging drivers to pause and think about how you drive.
Senior Constable Chloe Holmes, a Forensic Crash Investigator with QPS, knows the devastating consequences of road trauma all too well.
Senior Constable Holmes has responded to numerous fatal crashes across Queensland and says that the impact of those scenes stays with her long after the sirens stop.
"When we arrive at the scene of a fatal crash, it is not just debris we see - it is lives torn apart," Senior Constable Holmes said.
"The ripple effect of one poor decision - whether its speeding, distraction, or not wearing a seatbelt - can destroy multiple families in an instant," she said.
Forensic crash investigators like Senior Constable Holmes are responsible for examining the circumstances of every fatal crash - documenting evidence, reconstructing the crash, and uncovering the contributing factors.
While there can be any number of factors for a crash, Fatality Free Friday is a reminder to all road users to consider actions that they can take to make Queensland's roads safer.
Acting Chief Superintendent Garrath Channells of QPS's Road Policing and Regional Support Command, said one moment of distraction or one poor decision was all it took to change lives forever.
"Our officers work tirelessly to prevent road trauma, but we can't do it alone," Acting Chief Superintendent Channells said.
"We don't want to knock on another door to deliver the worst news a family will ever hear.
"That's why we're asking Queenslanders to make a commitment to safe driving - not just today, but every day."
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
