Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads has kicked off its annual Road Safety Week campaign by unveiling a plan to increase road safety by focusing on young drivers and vulnerable road users.

Acting Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Steven Miles and Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating debuted the “Queensland Road Safety Action Plan 2017-2019” during the 20 August kickoff. The plan seeks to reduce the burden of road traumas on Queensland communities.

“The Road Safety Action Plan is the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to achieving a vision of zero fatalities and serious injuries on our roads, an ambitious visit that will only be possible if everyone in our community plays their part,” Mr Miles said. “This plan encompasses all aspects of road safety – from safer roads to driver behaviour. We are absolutely committed to implementing tangible initiatives which make a difference to reduce road trauma.”

Police Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan encouraged the community to be directly involved in making roads safer during Road Safety Week, which runs 21-25 August.

“This is a unique event aimed at reducing road crashes and associated trauma through grassroots community engagement and education how each of can be champions for road safety,” Mr Ryan said. “Unfortunately too many Queenslanders know the pain of losing a family member or friend to road trauma, so I am delighted to see the Queensland Police Service join the community to help promote road safety.”

The Road Safety Action Plan includes:

  • Investigating new ways to better support young people in becoming safe and responsible drivers
  • Continuing to work towards improving safety for vulnerable road users, and work with experts to investigate and develop responses to ongoing road safety challenges of driver distraction, drug driving, seatbelt wearing, and road safety for international visitors
  • Continuing to install flashing lights at 200 school zones in the next two years to help warn motorists about the increased risk in these areas at peak times of student movement
  • Working towards a 2022 target of achieving 90% of travel on the national network in Queensland on three star AusRAP rated or better roads
  • Continuing to pilot emerging vehicle technologies including cooperative intelligent transport systems and cooperative and highly automated driving technologies.