Put safety first on roads this holiday season
20 December 2023
Ipswich motorists are being urged to remember the Fatal Five and drive with safety front of mind when on the roads this festive season.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said regardless of if a trip was short or long, it was important motorists take care and avoid unnecessary risks.
“The Christmas/New Year holiday period is a wonderful time of the year and we want everyone to reach their destinations safety,” Mayor Harding said.
“The Fatal Five of speeding, drink driving, distraction, not using a seatbelt correctly and fatigue are among the leading causes of accidents on our roads.
“Rest if tired, always buckle up, resist the temptation check the mobile phone, don’t get behind the wheel if drinking and stick to the speed limit; by taking these simple but important actions our roads will be safer.
“Over 50 per cent of fatigue-related crashes happen within 25km of a person’s departure point and any driver can suffer tiredness, even on short trips, so it is important to be well-rested and in a good frame of mind before getting behind the wheel.”
Road safety is an important focus of council’s iGO City of Ipswich Transport Plan.
Council’s Road Safety Action Plan under iGO identifies 45 actions across five areas of influence: road users, infrastructure, community, systems and organisations.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chairperson Councillor Paul Tully said council had a continued focus to improve road safety culture in the city.
“We all have a role to play in making our roads safe and by working collaboratively we can reduce road trauma,” Cr Tully said.
“If driving these holidays, please stick to the speed limit, take extra care in residential areas, be on the lookout for roadside hazards and of course, don’t drink and drive.
“Even travelling just five kilometres an hour above the limit in urban areas doubles the risk of a casualty crash.”
For more information about Ipswich City Council’s Road Safety Action Plan and iGO City of Ipswich Transport Plan, visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au