Queensland Road Safety Week: it’s everyone’s responsibility

18 August 2021

HINCHINBROOK MP Nick Dametto has reminded road users to get behind the initiatives promoted by Queensland Road Safety Week and take a moment to remember those who have lost their lives on the region’s roads this year.

Since the start of the year, 17 people have been killed on Northern Police Region roads, and 15 killed in the Townsville Police District alone[1].

Mr Dametto said, “these statistics were horrific but knowing that the majority of deaths in the Townsville Police District could have been avoided guts me,”

“Those who have innocently lost their lives leave behind friends and families suffering a loss, our region mourning and the community outraged,” he said.

“This week I urge the community to ensure these lives have not been lost in vain by changing our own personal behaviours out on the roads we can all pitch in to reduce the future road toll.

“Queensland Road Safety Week is a good reminder to all of us about the dangers we all face daily when getting behind the wheel of a vehicle.

“We should respect our fellow road users as we all deserve to get home safe and sound to our loved ones.

Mr Dametto said he had recently experienced first-hand a roadside tragedy, having been on the scene of the horrific double fatality that occurred on the Bruce Highway on June 23.

He said it was something he would never forget.

“All it takes is a split second for the worst to occur,” the Hinchinbrook MP said.

“As the local member I will never stop advocating for upgrades to the Bruce Highway. It’s important to ensure federal and state funding continues to flow north to improve our regional and rural road network.

“Forget building a new Gabba stadium for the Olympics, how about bringing the Bruce Highway up to scratch.”

Earlier this week the RACQ named the “worst roads in Queensland” according to road deaths per state electorate, with the top 10 revealed to be seats that are not held by the Palaszczuk Labor Government.[2]

Callide topped the list, followed by Nanango, Burnett, Gympie and Traeger.

Hinchinbrook was not listed, but Mr Dametto said he shared the Member for Traeger’s concerns about the disrepair of our western roads.

To get involved in Queensland Road Safety Week, all you need to do is create a sign with a message you want to share using one of the templates, take a photo of the sign and post the photo on your socials tagging @StreetSmartQLD.

For more information on this campaign, please visit the Street Smarts website.

[1] https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts/townsville-chief-superintendent-craig-hanlon-warns-drivers-to-slow-down/news-story/ffc37f302c577054efd973dcdd852ebc

[2] https://www.racq.com.au/Live/Articles/150821-the-states-worst-electorates-for-road-deaths