More than 34 per cent of Queenslanders have said the mobile phone and distractions are their biggest safety concern, while taking part in the Newman Government’s new Join the Drive campaign.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said Queenslanders have just three more days to join more than 250 possible TV stars and share a road safety message as part of the up-coming Christmas campaign.
“We promised to revitalise front line services and this is the first step in our efforts to drive behavioural change for all road users,” Mr Emerson said.
“The previous messages weren’t getting through, so it is positive to see the community embracing the new road safety campaign.
“Texting while driving continues to be a hot topic among those being interviewed followed by 27 per cent of people speaking about driving tired and 19 per cent raising drink or drug driving.
“This shows we need to change attitudes to match Queensland’s laws, which are some of the toughest in the country for those who choose to drive while distracted.”
This $2.2 million Join the Drive campaign is part of the Government’s $350 million, two-year Road Safety Action Plan.
“We wanted a campaign that engaged with the community, moving away from the blood and shock advertisements of the past,” Mr Emerson said.
“It was pleasing to hear the majority of people who were interviewed had already seen or heard of the new campaign.
“I think this shows it is already striking a chord with the community.”
Mr Emerson said the Join the Drive campaign was generating strong interest online reaching more than 21,861 people with 5,733 Facebook Likes.
For more information on Join the Drive visit www.jointhedrive.qld.gov.au/
Media contact: Stephanie Shield 0418 186 625
