6 July, 2022
Operation Zero: road toll targeted during July
Hundreds of police will be out in force across the Southern Police Region, aiming to reduce trauma on the roads this July.
The goal of zero fatalities for July, statistically the deadliest month in the region, became impossible just hours after the month began last Friday.
A man died after the truck he was driving collided with a stationary truck at around 8am on the Brisbane Valley Highway at Wivenoe Hill.
The day did not improve, as a little later in the morning a pedestrian was killed by a truck to the south of Warwick.
Acting Inspector David Campbell Operations, Southern Region was leading the charge and called on all road users to play their part to safeguard the community and first responders alike from the tragedy and trauma of needless loss.
“Whether you’re on the Warrego, Cunningham or New England highway, you can expect to encounter police fatal five enforcement activity and we make no apologies for it,” Inspector Campbell said.
“That means the targeting of speeding, fatigue, inattention, wearing seat belts, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“And we’re not just focused on the main arterials, either, you can expect us anytime, anywhere.”
Inspector Campbell said across the Darling Downs, South West and Ipswich district, 35 lives have been lost on the roads this year, 14 more than last year.
“Until it happens to someone you love, or you’re involved in the emergency response it’s difficult to fathom the reality of fatal traffic crashes,” he said.
“We never forget the lives behind those numbers – their tragedy becomes our trauma.
“There’s only so much public education activities, a police officer holding a radar gun or manning a speed camera can do, as a community we all need to step up and take responsibility every time we get behind the wheel.“
Inspector Campbell said he is calling on all road users to wake up to the realities of the risks they are taking on our roads.
“When you get behind the wheel of a car, you have a lethal weapon at your disposal - add in speeding, drink or drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, driving tired and driver distraction, and the risks are amplified to a deadly extent.
“I’ve heard every excuse in the book offered by Queenslanders - from all walks of life - attempting to explain away their blatant disregard for our ‘fatal five’.
“What they’re really saying is they don’t care about their actions or the deadly consequences they could bring.”
Inspector Campbell said passengers, riders, cyclists and pedestrians also played a crucial role in road safety.
“Poor decisions can often be prevented by checking in with yourself and others.
“Calling out a friend or family members poor driving can be a hard conversation to have, but it may very well be life-saving - I’d encourage everyone to get comfortable having these chats. Simply put, drive so others survive,” he said.
