Paul Algie urges drivers to think of safety after five deaths

The deaths of five men on the Fraser Coast, Bundaberg, Burnett and Gympie across the King’s Birthday long weekend have prompted an appeal direct to drivers heading home to slow down and stay safe.

The Wide Bay's top cop has spoken out after a horror loss of lives across the Kings Birthday long weekend.

One of the Wide Bay’s top officers has issued a desperate plea for drivers to concentrate on making it home safely after a deadly weekend on the region’s roads.

Five people were killed across the Wide Bay-Burnett region over the King’s Birthday long weekend.

That included a 19-year-old man at Brooloo in the Mary Valley, 52-year-old Stuart Wishart in a crash involving the motorbike he was riding and a ute at Takura on Saturday, a 21-year-old man on D’Aguilar Hwy at Barker Creek Flat, and two men in a crash at Kalkie in the Bundaberg region in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Wide Bay Burnett Acting Superintendent Paul Algie issued a statement on Monday, to be played on the radio to reach those driving home after enjoying their long weekend.

“I’m appealing for people who are driving right now, listening to the radio,” he said.

Two men were killed and two people taken to hospital after this horror crash in Kalkie on Sunday, October 1, 2023.

“Watch your speed and surroundings and make sure you arrive home safely with your loved ones.

“Unfortunately, the accidents this weekend, especially in the Wide Bay Burnett, have been caused by speed, alcohol, or inattention.

“We know the fatal five cause most of our crashes, so drivers I ask you to please travel safely.

“Passengers can also play their part in road safety and support your driver to take a break and drive to the conditions.

“Police officers will be conducting highway patrols today as Operation Spring Break concludes.

Serious crash, Toogoom, Pialba Burrum Heads Rd, Saturday September 30, 2023.

“With the ending of the school holidays and the long weekend, there will be a lot of traffic on the road, so all motorists are urged to take care, allow enough time and get home safely.

“Every life lost is one too many and this weekend we’ve lost sons, wives, sisters and fathers and this tragedy affects too many families.

“Slow down, take care and be a courteous and safe driver.

“Drivers in the Wide Bay Burnett, we’ve had a horror weekend so far, with four lives lost and one person in hospital with life-changing injuries.

“Nothing is more important than your safety and that of other road users, so slow down. If you’re going to drink then please don’t drive.

“Please stay focused when you’re behind the wheel.”