The Most Dangerous Part of Easter is Still To Come

Minister for Police David Gibson and Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson have urged Queensland drivers to take extra care returning from their long weekend as the State registers its first fatality for the Easter period.  

A woman has died following a two vehicle crash involving a car and motorbike on Beaudesert-Beenleigh Road, Birnam at around 10.50am today. 

It is believed no one else was seriously injured and investigations into the crash continue. 

“Experience has shown us that the most dangerous time on the roads is when people start their trip home," Minister Gibson said. 

"Fatigue is often a factor - after fitting in lots of holiday activities, too many people are getting behind the wheel tired, and pushing on when they should be taking a break." 

"Last year four of our six Easter road fatalities occurred on Sunday and Monday, so we are appealing for drivers and their families to make sure they take those 15 minute breaks every two hours. It might just be a lifesaver." 

Commissioner Atkinson said that 238 drivers have been detected drink driving, six drug driving, 3057 speeding, and 156 failing to wear a seatbelt. 

"It is always disappointing to see people drink driving, speeding, and failing to wear seatbelts over the holidays. These are all major contributors to road trauma. 

"Another issue is frustration as congestion slows the trip home. Please, think before overtaking slower vehicles. Too many people die or are injured in crashes caused by overtaking into oncoming traffic." 

"If everyone on the roads can show a little consideration for other drivers, and not become frustrated, we have a much better chance of getting everyone home in one piece, and making it an Easter to remember for all the right reasons. 

While the Police Minister David Gibson expressed his disappointment at the number of tickets needed to be issued, he congratulated the overwhelming majority of motorists for heeding safety messages, but reminded them the return trip home from the Easter holidays was still ahead. 

“This afternoon and particularly tomorrow we’ll see the levels of traffic on Queensland roads increase significantly as people commence their journey home,” Mr Gibson said. 

  

“We don’t want to see people pushing themselves on their return leg, so it’s even more important now that they begin their trip refreshed, take regular breaks drive to road and weather conditions. 

 “By taking these few simple precautions people are not only ensuring the safety of those in the vehicle with them, they are taking care of other families on the road during this busy period.”