As the school holidays kick off, the Queensland Ambulance Service is urging motorists to take extra care on the roads.
Whether you’re heading north for warmer weather or south for the cold, Senior Paramedic Dermot Kelly says the roads will be busier than usual with more cars on the road and many holiday-goers traveling long distances.
“As it is the school holidays, expect there to be more traffic on the roads, leaving extra time to get to your destination.”
“The roads are going to be busier and if you’re driving in metro or suburban areas just watch out for kids on the pavement and riding their bicycles. They won’t necessarily be watching for cars, so we need to watch out for them.”
“It’s been a horror week on Logan roads with crews attending a crash at Stockleigh on Wednesday which claimed the lives of a young woman and her teenage cousin.”
“The saddest part is that 99% of road traffic crashes these days are preventable. Most of them are caused by speed, lack of concentration or not driving to weather and road conditions or being aware of your surroundings.”
“Thankfully, because modern cars are the way they are, the chances of loss of life are reduced as long as people are wearing seat belts and doing the right thing.”
Mr Kelly says people should be aware of the ‘fatal five’ that are the causes of most road traffic crashes before getting behind the wheel.
“Remember to wear your seatbelt, check your speed, drive to the speed limit, avoid drink and drug driving, don’t drive while fatigued and don’t be distracted by mobile phones while driving”.
“Enjoy the school holidays and your time with family and stay safe out there.”
