Ipswich police urge motorists to be safe these holidays after a horror year on Queensland roads

Ipswich police will be out in force these holidays ensuring motorists stay safe after a horror year for fatalities on Queensland roads.

Ipswich police are urging drivers to stay sensible and responsible while behind the wheel this Christmas and New Year, after one of the worst years for fatalities on Queensland roads.

Officers across the district will be maintaining a high visibility presence on local roads over the festive season to ensure motorists are travelling safely at one of the busiest times of year for the state’s road network.

Between January 1 and November 28, 260 people have died in accidents on Queensland roads.

Of these, 115 people were drivers and 60 were passengers, while 63 were motorbike riders or passengers.

Forty-eight fatalities occurred in the Southern Police Region, which Ipswich is included in.

“Families take advantage of the holiday period and warmer summer temperatures and often travel by road to and from holiday destinations,” a police spokesperson said.

“Motorists are reminded to take extra care while driving and are urged to show patience and care when overtaking or passing vehicles.”

The Ipswich District Crime Prevention Unit will be promoting road safety in partnership with the Somerset Regional Council, Department of Transport and Main Roads, the State Emergency Service, QFES and QAS Lowood and the Ipswich PCYC.

Officers will be at the Fernvale Country Markets on Sunday, December 5, with the aim to raise awareness of the Fatal Five, speeding, drink and drug driving, seatbelt use, fatigue and inattention/distraction.

“We will also be refreshing road rule knowledge to improve overall road safety,” the spokesperson said.

There will be a road trauma incident simulation at 9am and 11am conducted by QFES and SES to educate the community.

There will be activities for all ages with plenty of road safety information and the opportunity for children to get their photo taken with local emergency services.

The visual display and community engagement part of the event will address dangerous driver behaviours.

Police want everyone to arrive home safely this Christmas and New Year, and to follow the following advice:

– Ensure you and your passengers wear a seatbelt or wear the fine

– Don’t drink and drive and have your lift legend pre-organised

– Rest for 15 minutes after driving for two hours and if you can, share the drive to stay alive

– Don’t speed and obey the conditions of the road and the road rules, read signs and consider all drivers

– Don’t be distracted, put your phone on ‘do not disturb while driving’ and leave your phone alone.

“Be sure to put your own and all other road users’ safety first these holidays, don’t meet us by accident,” the spokesperson said.