Cr Column Councillor Max Musumeci

7483939Happy Thursday. How is August here already? 
Let’s talk road safety. 
It’s concerning to see that a lot of our traffic issues are arising from people being in too much of a hurry, not slowing down at intersections and all too familiar device addiction. We are all so busy these days and the volume of traffic is higher than ever.  However, taking time to do the little things and remembering the simple stuff won’t take you as long as you think and it’s certainly quicker than stopping to exchange insurance information in an accident. Having a child with his L-plates now has me saying lots of rules over and over again. Mainly, give way to your right. There’s lots of round abouts and intersections without signs in the Burdekin. Just remember to always give way to your right. Another favourite is STOP means STOP!! Take the time to stop and look both ways.

One big thing has become clear playing passenger with an L-plate driver. It gives me time to see the faces in the windscreens coming at us. Sad to say a lot of those faces aren’t watching the road but looking at devices. It so easy to see, it’s frightening. 
Please don’t see this as me claiming to be the world’s best driver. But I hope everyone reading this will use it as a bit of a refresher on road safety.

I feel this pledge says it well. It is from Road Safety Week that was held recently in May:

I pledge to drive as if my loved ones are on the road ahead.
I will remove all distractions and never use my mobile phone while driving.
I will not put other people at risk by speeding, driving while tired or under the influence of alcohol/drugs.
I will protect all vulnerable road users, especially those whose job places them in harm’s way, by slowing down and giving them the space they need to be safe.

Stay safe everyone. 

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