What’s happening?
Queensland Road Safety Week has begun, running until 22 August. Capricornia Police will be out in force patrolling roads and engaging with the community. Their focus is to reduce catastrophic injuries and deaths by combining visible and covert traffic enforcement with education events.
Why it matters
Seventeen lives have already been lost on roads in the Capricornia District this year. This figure is five higher than the same time in 2024. Superintendent Mark Burgess said many of these deaths were due to speeding and dangerous driving. “Every life lost on our roads is one too many,” Superintendent Burgess said.
Local impact
Families and communities across Capricornia have been affected by these tragedies. “In a matter of seconds, the lives of family and friends who have lost a loved one is changed,” Superintendent Burgess said. He added that survivors of serious crashes may live with catastrophic injuries that alter their lives forever.
By the numbers
-
17 lives lost on Capricornia roads this year, compared with 12 at the same time in 2024.
-
5 behaviours form the Fatal Five: speeding, drink and drug driving, failing to wear a seatbelt, fatigue, and distraction.
-
5 days of road safety activities, running from 18 to 22 August across Queensland.
Zoom in
Police will focus enforcement on the Fatal Five, reminding drivers of the risks linked to speeding, alcohol and drugs, fatigue, distraction, and seatbelt non-use. Superintendent Burgess said, “We want to remind everyone who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle to remember that road safety is everyone’s responsibility.”
Zoom out
The Queensland Police Service has reinforced its commitment to reducing road deaths and serious crashes. Data shows that recognising and avoiding the Fatal Five behaviours can significantly reduce the chance of catastrophic outcomes on Queensland’s roads.
What to look for next
Drivers across Capricornia can expect high visibility police patrols, covert enforcement, and community engagement events during Queensland Road Safety Week.
