Forensic Crash Investigator Emphasizes Road Safety for Fatality Free Friday

In honor of Fatality Free Friday, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) is urging all Queenslanders to consider the impact of their actions behind the wheel. With over 100 lives lost on Queensland roads this year, Senior Constable Chloe Holmes, a Forensic Crash Investigator with QPS, highlights the devastating consequences of road trauma and the importance of safe driving practices.

Senior Constable Holmes, who has witnessed the aftermath of numerous fatal crashes, emphasizes the lasting impact on families and communities. She stresses that one poor decision, whether it be speeding, distraction, or neglecting to wear a seatbelt, can have catastrophic effects on multiple families in an instant.

Forensic crash investigators like Senior Constable Holmes play a crucial role in examining the circumstances of fatal crashes, documenting evidence, reconstructing the incidents, and identifying contributing factors. Acting Chief Superintendent Garrath Channells of QPS’s Road Policing and Regional Support Command emphasizes the critical importance of avoiding distractions and making safe decisions on the road to prevent life-changing tragedies.

The QPS encourages all road users to reflect on their driving habits and commit to safe practices not just on Fatality Free Friday but every day. By recognizing and avoiding the ‘Fatal Five’ behaviors—speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue, and distraction—serious crashes can be significantly reduced. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and the QPS is dedicated to reducing the number of lives lost on Queensland roads.