RESCUERS ISSUE URGENT SAFETY REMINDER AS RESTRICTIONS RELAXED
June 16, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
With travel restrictions being relaxed and drivers having the freedom to move about the state again, RACQ CQ Rescue is reminding motorists to think seriously about how they act behind the wheel and on the road.
Already this year, the Mackay-based rescue helicopter has airlifted 17 people who’ve suffered injury, some even life-threatening or fatal, as a result of motor vehicle accidents.
A man was killed on Saturday and a child injured on Sunday in two separate motorbike accidents on remote properties near Mt Coolon. Combined with the tragic statistics last weekend of seven deaths in 72 hours on Queensland roads, social and travel restrictions being lifted across the state and with school holidays approaching, the rescue service considers it vital to remind motorists about adhering to the Fatal Five as they hit the road.
RACQ CQ Rescue pilot Owen Maitland said the rescue helicopter service airlifted, on average, more than two patients a month with injuries from road accidents. Other recent serious accidents attended by the Mackay-based rescue helicopter included a truck rollover near Lotus Creek, where the driver and his passengers were lucky to escape with their lives, and another motorbike rider who suffered a serious spinal injury at Cape Palmerston.
“In 2019, RACQ CQ Rescue completed 34 tasks involving transferring patients injured in motor vehicle accidents to hospital,” he said.
“Unfortunately, so far this year we’ve already airlifted 17 people who’ve suffered injury, some quite serious, as a result of road accidents, including six in the last month,” he said.
It was obvious the fatal five, particularly fatigue, speeding and distracted driving, was still playing a large part in accidents and subsequent severe injury on roads across the region.
“The relaxing of social restrictions makes now a really important time to reflect on the Fatal Five and road safety,” Mr Maitland said.
“Motorists need to be ensure they are focused entirely on the task of driving when they’re behind the wheel or on a motorbike to ensure they’re not endangering their life and the lives of other road users.
“With school holidays again nearly upon us and now with the freedom to travel around the state, drivers should be planning their journeys, checking on road conditions and closures and ensuring their vehicles are adequately maintained for travel,” Mr Maitland said.
“While we love our job and serving this community, please take extra care on the roads during the holidays and as social restrictions are relaxed. We don’t meet you or your loved ones by accident.”
RACQ Spokesperson Lauren Ritchie said it was disappointing the State’s death toll was significantly higher than the same time last year.
“It’s incredibly sad to hear more than 100 people have lost their lives on our roads already this year,” Ms Ritchie said.
“Every life lost creates a ripple effect within the community. The death toll isn’t just a statistic, but a representation of how many families and friends are dealing with the grief of losing someone in a crash.
“We’re pleading with drivers to drive at safe speeds and be careful on the roads to protect your safety and that of other road users.
“If you’re setting out on a long journey, it’s also important you take regular breaks and please never take any risks when you’re behind the wheel, it just isn’t worth it,” Ms Ritchie said.
[ENDS]
Please credit any released photos and video footage to RACQ CQ Rescue.
Please note: Full title of rescue service is RACQ CQ Rescue.
For further information please contact:
Naomi Noy
RACQ CQ Rescue
Ph: 0417 578 182