Community & Business
25 October, 2024
Oakey Police start Helmets for Safety campaign
With e-scooters becoming an increasingly popular form of transportation, Oakey Police have started a Helmets for Safety campaign.
The program also targets bicycles.
In 2023, the Jamieson Trauma Institute revealed that e-scooter crashes were becoming more frequent and more severe with males and young riders most likely to present to Emergency Departments.
Being mindful of the statistics, Oakey Police Station says it is targeting helmet safety and enforcing the road rules surrounding e-scooters.
Acting Sergeant and Officer in Command at Oakey Police Station, James Leahy said he’s been handing out helmets to locals recently.
“Across the past two weeks I have been handing bicycle helmets to our most prolific E-Scooter and Bicycle offenders within the Division,” Sgt. Leahy said last week.
“The targeted actions are to reduce the risk of serious injury to the riders and also to reduce the impact of our SPER system for diverted traffic infringement notices.”
Sgt. Leahy said the helmets were supplied thanks to the support of New Acland Coal, who donated 20 helmets for the cause.
“Without the support of Bec and Linda at New Acland Coal, this initiative would not have occurred and would not be seeing the immediate benefits that we are currently reporting,” he said.
“The relationship with New Acland Coal is vital to the Community of Oakey and we will continue to work with them on a number of initiatives to progress Oakey and maintain the style of living expected for our community.”
New Acland Coal General Manager Dave O’Dwyer thanked Sergeant Leahy for his kind words, and said the Mine would continue to support the community.
“New Acland Coal has a long and proud history of supporting the local community via a wide range of projects and partnerships,” he said.
“Sponsoring and supporting local community groups, sporting teams, charities and schools allows us to build stronger and more sustainable communities."
E-SCOOTER RULES
- one person at a time
- helmets are mandatory
- 12km/h speed limit on footpaths
- 25km/h limit on roads
- no holding mobile phones while riding
- bell, horn or similar warning device is needed
- an effective stopping system (brakes, gears and/or motor control) is needed
- at night, lights are needed. A white light on the front, a red light on the back and a red reflector.
- you must signal when changing lanes
- no leading dogs while riding
