GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND (Thursday 25th February 2021) – Surfing Queensland today announced its success as a Community Road Safety Grant recipient to run a localised road safety campaign aimed at the state’s young drivers.
Surfing Queensland’s #NoTxtNoWrecks campaign will educate Queensland drivers of the dangers of distraction and inattention while behind the wheel, particularly texting while driving.
Driver distraction plays a role in 29 deaths and almost 1,300 serious injuries each year on Queensland roads. Using a phone illegally while behind the wheel can be as dangerous as drink driving.
Surfing Queensland CEO, Adam Yates, said that Surfing Queensland is in a unique position to reach younger generations and influence their driving behaviours.
“The safety of our youth is immensely important, which is why we’re proud to be supporting the Queensland Government’s efforts to drive a change in behaviours and attitudes to road safety in local Queensland communities” Mr Yates said.
Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey, commended Surfing Queensland on its commitment to reducing the impact of road trauma in the community.
“Tragically, hundreds of lives are lost on Queensland roads every year,” Mr Bailey said.
“By collaborating with local organisations to address road safety issues at a grass-roots level, we can take action to improve the safety of Queensland roads.”
“It adds to our record $26.9 billion roads and transport program, and it’s great to see community-focused organisations such as Surfing Queensland supporting the call to make the roads safer for our friends, family and community,” he said.
Surfing Queensland’s campaign ambassador, Ellie Brooks, said she knows how big of an issue driver distraction and inattention is among young people.
“I think texting while driving is a big problem and I don’t think people realise how dangerous it is, not only for themselves but also for everyone else on the road,” Ms Brooks said.
The #NoTxtNoWrecks road safety campaign was previously delivered by Surfing Western Australia, in partnership with the Western Australian Government and the Road Safety Commission.
This initiative is supported by funding from the Queensland Government’s Community Road Safety Grants.
For further details on the #NoTxtNoWrecks campaign, please follow Surfing Queensland on social media and visit www.surfingqueensland.com.au
Background
For more information on driver inattention, including safety facts, road rules and penalties, visit the Queensland Government’s Driver Distraction Fact Sheet.
Media Contact
Mitchell Shepherd | Communications Manager | 0418 201 700 | mitchell@surfingqueensland.com.au
