Last Reveals The Reality Of Road Safety Week

The dangers that drivers face on the Bruce Highway north and south of Bowen are well known to locals, but Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, has shared a personal story to highlight a key safety factor during Road Safety Week.
As a former Police Officer, Mr Last has seen more than his share of incidents first-hand but there is one that is burnt into his memory.

“Late at night on May 15th 1998, my partner and I came across a car that had rolled,” he said. “The wheels of the car were still spinning when we stopped and inside Raymond, the sole occupant, was trapped with the seat belt across his neck, restricting his breathing.”

“Fortunately, we were able to save Raymond’s life, but he was left with a permanent brain injury and years of intensive rehabilitation. Raymond spent years helping to educate young drivers through the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness, or RYDA, programs, with a special focus on driving with the right attitude.”

“Road conditions are an important part of road safety and that’s the reason why the government’s $9 Billion Bruce Highway Safety Package is so important. But driver behaviour is the largest contributor to incidents that took 302 lives last year and left thousands more with lifelong injuries.”

“The fact is that the Fatal Five behaviours of speeding, distraction, drink and drug driving, incorrect seatbelt use, and fatigue are involved in almost all serious and fatal crashes.”

“Roughly 30% of the people killed on our roads are aged 16 to 24. That is a staggering statistic, but the fact is that parents and caregivers are well placed to make a massive difference when it comes to reducing the road toll.”

“Young drivers especially need to understand that a split-second decision can not only take lives, but it can take away their dreams. As the people who are teaching younger people to drive, or supervising them as they practice, we need to focus on ensuring those young people understand the importance of taking the right attitude to driving.”

Mr Last said that driving down the road toll would take a joint effort and welcomed the government’s ‘One Team Queensland’ initiative.

“Regardless of the sport, Queenslanders are passionate and loyal supporters,” he said. “In order the end the carnage on our roads, we all need to be on the same team and we all need to play our part.”

“The Crisafulli state government’s investment into road safety, and securing increased funding from the federal government, proves we are playing our part, but we need Queenslanders to join the fight. We stand by our footy team through good times and bad and we need to stand by our fellow road users to save lives.”

“Similarly to Raymond, State of Origin legend Billy Slater is calling on drivers to drive with the right attitude, to show some patience and to have respect for other road users. The direct result of people taking that advice would be a drastic reduction in fatalities and less people like Raymond living with lifelong injuries.”

Contributed with thanks to Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP

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