How we can change driver attitude on roads

The Daily Mercury partners with police for the Be Safe campaign to end the road trauma in our region.

The Be Safe campaign by the Daily Mercury, in partnership with Mackay police, aims to change driver behaviour and save lives on our roads.

IT’S known among the ranks as a death knock but the official term is a next of kin notification.

The knuckles knocking on someone’s front door is the easy part; it’s what follows that is regarded as one of the hardest parts of policing.

They’re the words that tell someone their lives will never be the same, and four times in the past two weeks, police have delivered that message.

With Christmas comes an increase in traffic which has Mackay’s highest ranking police officer concerned.

That four lives were lost to road trauma in such a short period in the region, and that nine people have died in eight crashes this year, is a reality that doesn’t sit well with Superintendent Glenn Morris.

“The roads are getting busier over the next few weeks and road users will see high visibility policing as they travel,” he said.

“We are determined to work with all agencies and the public to have a safe road system in Mackay district.

“The driver of every vehicle on every journey, whatever the distance, should remember the Fatal Five behaviours that cause most of our very serious crashes.”

“Any loss of life on the road is tragic,” he said, adding that road safety was a police priority year-round.

Mackay police have partnered with the Daily Mercury and will this week publish a series of stories focusing on each of the Fatal Five.

Investigations into road fatalities identified the main contributing factors to what caused deadly collisions and rollovers.

They’re simple behaviours to rectify if ever flouted – wear seatbelts, don’t speed, don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, stop driving if tired or fatigued, and avoid any distractions behind the wheel.

The use of mobile phones has been identified by the State Government as a critical area of concern, with financial and licence penalties due to increase next year for drivers found using a device while driving.

Motorists will be fined $1000 and four demerit points. For those caught twice in a year, double demerit points will apply and they may lose their licence.

The Be Safe series in the Daily Mercury will focus on that aspect of the Fatal Five next week.

The campaign is backed by Superintendent Morris.

“Throughout the week, each of the fatal Five will be highlighted to reinforce the standards of driving behaviours that are required, and to highlight the impact fatal and serious traffic crashes have across the community,” he said.