Thursday, August 7, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Road Safety – Everyone’s Responsibility

Another week has passed with another terrible tragedy on our roads. From the outset of this article, I want to pass on my deepest condolences to the all the family of our most recent victim of road trauma in this District.

I also want to thank the exceptional work undertaken by our Whitsunday Emergency Services. The Police, the Ambulance, the Fire Department and every community member who stopped to help last Monday at the accident on Shute Harbour Road.

Everybody has a part to play in the safety of us on our roads. The council and state governments play a part in the preparations and planning of the roads that we use. They work in conjunction with the Department of Transport and Main Roads along with other stakeholders to set appropriate speed limits. It's then left to the Queensland Police to make sure road users abide by these limits. And we do that really well here in the Mackay Whitsunday District. This year alone we have completed 127,345 RBT’s. In that we have recorded a staggering 2,329 positive returns. There have also been a total 3,139 tickets issued this year.

Lastly, there is the responsibility of you, the drivers and road users. You have a responsibility to be safe. You have a responsibility to make a decision to not drink and drive. To not speed. To drive a vehicle that is mechanically sound and road worthy.

I ask from the bottom of my heart to please consider the families and loved ones of people left behind if you do decide to take a risk. Please stop and consider the responsibility you have a road user. Consider the consequences of your actions if the worst was to occur.

Driving is a privilege, not a right. I would hate to have one of my officers, knocking on your door, delivering the worst of news. Please be safe out there.

Contributed with thanks to Anthony Moynihan Senior Sergeant, Officer in Charge of Whitsunday Police Station

In other news