Five programs aimed at saving lives on Queensland roads have been named winners of the 2015 Queensland Road Safety Awards announced in Mackay today (August 20, 2015).
The awards run by QUT's Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety - Queensland (CARRS-Q), recognised the local efforts of road safety campaigners working to reduce the road toll.
CARRS-Q acting director Professor Narelle Haworth said this year's winners had been recognised for their practical and positive road safety initiatives.
"For example, the 2015 Queensland Road Safety Community Award went to the Neighbourhood Watch group at The Gap for their Mount Zero campaign," Professor Haworth said.
"This campaign is designed to raise awareness of the dangers of Mount Nebo and Mount Glorious roads.
"The Gap Neighbourhood Watch group's initiative was in response to the 12 motorcyclist deaths, 887 motorcyclist injuries and 372 injury-related accidents that had occurred since 2002.
"These statistics indicate that these roads are some of the most dangerous in our state."
Professor Haworth said the group's promotion of these statistics on signs to drivers during their trip ensured they were educated on the dangers of the Mount Nebo and Mount Glorious roads.
"The aim of the campaign was to reduce accidents and fatalities within a 12 month period. The campaign stood up to its name and no fatalities were recorded during 2013-14."
Professor Haworth said the awards were judged on creativity, originality and real world application.
"Community involvement is a vital factor in determining whether or not road trauma is reduced over the long term," she said.
"Road safety initiatives that have a history of community involvement and evaluated outcomes are often the winners both on the roads and in the awards."
The winners were announced today at a special road safety workshop in Mackay being held as part of Queensland Road Safety Week.
The 2015 Queensland Road Safety Awards are supported by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Police Service, the RACQ and the Motor Accident Insurance Commission.
The winners were:
2015 Queensland Road Safety Community Award
Mount Zero - Neighbourhood Watch (The Gap)
2015 Queensland Road Safety Local Government Award
Gold Coast Road Safety Plan - Gold Coast City Council
2015 Queensland Road Safety State Government Award
Emergency Vehicle Priority - Transmax Pty Ltd (Brisbane)
2015 Queensland Road Safety Innovation Award
Heavy Vehicles Camera Decals Project - Mackay Road Safety Action Group (RAAG)
2015 Queensland Road Safety Schools Award
Yeronga State Primary School Road Safety Action Plan - Yeronga State Primary School
Media contact:
Clare Murray, CARRS-Q, 0409 813 276 - attending event in Mackay
Sandra Hutchinson, QUT Media (Tue, Wed), 07 3138 9449 or media@qut.edu.au
After hours, Rose Trapnell, 0407 585 901
