THE Department of Transport and the Queensland Police Service have been using social media hashtags to spread awareness about road safety.
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Local police officers Constable Michele White and Senior Sergeant Brad Inskip encouraged Good Shepherd Catholic College students to hashtag #speakupselfie on their Twitter and Instagram accounts.
They could also enter an artwork competition with winners receiving an Ipad for themselves and their school.
Local police will also target mobile phone use while driving, and speeding, during Road Safety Week.
A sausage sizzle was held in front of the civic centre on Monday, the first day of the awareness campaign which school students attended.
A fire truck and ambulance arrived later than planned as they had to attend an incident.
“What we’re trying to do is challenge people about road tolls in Queensland, and promote road safety,” Constable White said.
Inattention while driving was one of the main themes that police and the Department of Transport representatives were making the community aware of.
“People on mobile phones is the same as being a drink driver, and I don’t think people realise that,” Constable White said.
“In 2013 the driver statistics were 19 fatalities and 1343 hospitalised casualties.”
Police Minister Bill Byrne described the week long awareness campaign aimed at reducing road crashes and trauma was a unique event.
“Unfortunately too many Queenslanders know the pain of losing a family member or friend to road trauma, so I am delighted to see the Queensland Police Service join the community to help promote road safety.
“I would encourage all Queenslanders to speak up, be heard, and lets all make Queensland’s 2016 Road Safety Week an important event in your community’s calendar.”
Main Roads and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey said one in two Queenslanders have been involved in road trauma, or they know someone who has been. Road crashes were preventable, he said.