Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House, the fatal vehicle crashes and road related fatalities and severe injuries recorded on Queensland roads.

The most recent data confirms that during 1 January to 22 November 2020 period, there were 245 fatalities as a result of crashes within Queensland, which is 47 fatalities greater than the same period for the previous year and 30 fatalities greater than the previous five year average for the same period. This is an unacceptable increase in the loss of life on our roads and must be addressed.

Sadly, many of those who are losing their lives are our young and inexperienced drivers. Too many people die or are injured from motor vehicle accidents every day, with many of these accidents stemming from avoidable situations. Your petitioners believe that a different approach, one which involves young people educating their peers, is part of the solution. Young people listening to and heeding the advice of young people who have suffered the loss of a loved one or friend.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to do all in its power to reduce the yearly road toll to 5% of current numbers of deaths by 2030, by implementing more driver awareness education, using the aforementioned young people as part of the strategy. The ultimate aim is to reduce the current high road fatality numbers and to ensure all road users and our families are safe on our roads.