New 'Fatal Four' cars a stark reminder to stay safe this Christmas
Commissioner Bob Atkinson today joined Police Minister Neil Roberts and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh in announcing the launch of the annual Christmas Road Safety Campaign aimed at continuing to reduce the carnage on Queensland roads over the Christmas holidays. The state campaign will officially commence on Wednesday December 8, before entering the national reporting phase, which runs from December 24 to January 7.
It will conclude with further state-wide campaigns commencing on January 8, and finish with Operation Back to School on January 28. Commissioner Atkinson said while the road toll has seen a significant drop this year, the potential for deadly outcomes over the Christmas season can never be ignored.
“During the Christmas holiday season we see more drivers on our roads, and more drivers taking unnecessary risks that end in disaster,” Commissioner Atkinson said.
“It is always disappointing to see the increase in drink driving and speeding over the holidays. And with long drives ahead of many motorists as they travel to their holiday destinations, the dangers of fatigue are high. “Motorists who take these risks are not only gambling with their own lives, they are gambling with the lives of their families and everyone else on the road. That is why we will be out in force this summer, enforcing the road rules and trying to keep all road users safe.
“Today we also unveil the newest form of our strongest deterrents – the ‘fatal four cars’, which will be used extensively in enforcement operations over the Christmas campaign and into next year.
“These vehicles are emblazoned with four white crosses that represent the four biggest killers on Queensland roads - speed, alcohol, fatigue, and not wearing a seatbelt.”
“The design is meant to be confronting, and put the fatal consequences of reckless behaviour into perspective, as the number plates suggest.”
These high visibility vehicles along with Q-Cars, random drug testing, random breath testing, speed cameras, covert camera, static and mobile speed detection and an increased presence from marked and unmarked vehicles will be monitoring our roads anytime, anywhere throughout the state.
Commissioner Atkinson said the best way to stay safe this summer would be to drive to the conditions, not take unnecessary risks and obey the road rules.
“The message is simple; please remember to drive safe. Plan your trip and take your time. It is better to get to your destination safe and late, than not at all.”