Survive the drive – get home safe

Christmas is right around the corner but the greatest gift you can give your family and friends this holiday season is getting home safe. That’s the message this National Road Safety Week.

So far in 2020, 17 people have died on roads in Moreton Bay Region, according to the Department of Transport and Main Roads, five more fatalities than the same period last year.

Mayor Peter Flannery says that’s 17 people too many, which is why council is again supporting National Road Safety Week (15-22 November).

“We’re lighting up buildings in yellow across the region for the national campaign as a reminder to drive safely for yourself and others on our roads,” Mayor Flannery says.

“Lighter traffic was definitely a silver lining during peak COVID-19 social distancing, but we need to remain extra vigilant now that we’re returning to normal and heading out on holiday road trips.”

Safer roads

Moreton Bay Regional Council is investing more than $143.3 million on the roads and transport network in the 2020/2021 financial year to improve connectivity across the region, including doubling the gravel to sealed roads budget to $1 million.

“We have also secured $2.1 million funding from the Australian Government’s Black Spot program this financial year to help make high-risk roads safer for all,” Mayor Flannery says.

“This funding will be used to improve Shea Rd at Kurwongbah, the intersection of Keong Rd and Dawn Rd at Albany Creek and Mount Nebo Rd at Jolly’s Lookout.

“However, government investment in a better road network is only part of the solution — the rest is up to drivers. I encourage everyone to jump onto the National Road Safety Week website and take the pledge to drive so others survive.

“We need every single person on our roads to drive responsibly, stick to the speed limits and put their phones away so we can all get home to our loved ones these holidays.”

Important initiative

National Road Safety Week is an annual initiative from the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group to highlight the impact of road trauma and ways to reduce it.

Council will be showcasing yellow lights at the administration building in Redcliffe, the stage area in Caboolture’s town precinct and the under-seat lighting at Scarborough Beach Park in support of the program.

Take the pledge

Almost 30,000 have taken the National Road Safety Week pledge to do the following:

• I pledge to drive as if my loved ones are on the road ahead
• I will remove all distractions and never use my mobile phone while driving
• I will not put other people at risk by speeding, driving while tired or under the influence of alcohol/drugs
• I will protect all vulnerable road users, especially those whose job places them in harm’s way

For more information about events or to make a National Road Safety Week pledge, visit the website

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