Drivers wary of new road laws
Sun 13 December 2009
Matthew Howard, Bachelor of Journalism
Police have begun enforcing new road rules under Queensland government legislation in an effort to reduce the national road toll.
New laws include fines for driving with fog lights on in clear weather, attempting a u-turn over a single white line and driving with passengers who are not wearing a seatbelt.
The rules have been created in a constant bid by Queensland Transport to stem the increasing fatality statistics on Queensland roads.
The 2009 year alone saw 1, 136 vehicle-related deaths on Australia’s roads, a 5.9 per cent increase from September last year.
Of these deaths, 269 have occurred on Queensland’s roads, an eight per cent increase from last year.
On average Queensland’s annual road toll has increased 2.5 per cent over the past five years, second only to the Northern Territory.
Suncoast Cabs general manager John Lobwein said that any change to the road rules for the better was welcome.
“The new road rules are a good thing,” Mr Lobwein said.
“Anything that stops people from breaking the road rules is...good.
“Cab drivers get a bad rap, labelled as reckless drivers...but our drivers are better than most drivers on the road.
“If they break the law, than they should be punished like anyone else.”
However, it is not just businesses that are wary of the new rules.
Mace Kirkpatrick, 17, of Glenfields will apply for his provisional licence next month.
“I think it’s unfair that there are so many restrictions placed on new drivers these days,” Mr Kirkpatrick said.
“Everyone thinks that it’s P-platers who drive recklessly and cause crashes, but that’s really just a stereotype.
“I’ve watched my brother (22) and sister (25) get their licence unimpeded by all the new regulations.
“But I suppose if it saves lives, than it’s all worth it.”
The new laws came into force on October 12, 2009, with most drivers unaware of the changes.
Paul Bailey Air-Conditioning owner Paul Bailey was unaware the laws had changed.
“I assumed most were already in place,” Mr Bailey said.
“A lot of it is just common sense when you’re driving and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
“I own two business vehicles myself, so it’s essential that the drivers obey the laws to keep them on the road.
“Times such as these, we can’t afford to be paying fines for such simple things.”
Queensland Transport plans to generate further new road rules over the next six months.
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