In 2020, Queensland Police Service (QPS) motorcyclist, of Mackay Road Policing, Senior Constable John Kenworthy, was responding to a serious injury traffic crash, when he was involved in a life-changing motorcycle crash.
Now, in partnership with The Department of Transport and Main Roads, Senior Constable Kenworthy shares his story to demonstrate the importance of road safety and that incidents can happen to anyone, anytime.
"In a split second where my attention just wasn't where it should've been, I've ended up coming off the road," he says on reflection of the accident.
Once leaving the road, Senior Constable Kenworthy experienced a collision with a barbed-wire fence, resulting in an induced coma and extensive damage to his eyesight.
"It's so important that you realise you're not invincible" he continues.
"It can happen to anyone."
It is a timely reminder of the importance of road safety, with last year reporting 797 motorcycle or moped rider and pillion hospitalisations.
Motorcycle fatalities this year so far, are 19.2% higher than the previous five-year average number of lives lost between 2019 and 2023.
The current number of motorcycle/moped riders/pillion passengers having lost their lives in Queensland is sitting at 36.
Take care on the roads and remember the fatal five. Every life lost is one too many.
The Queensland Police Service is committed to reducing number of lives lost on our roads.
Data shows that serious crashes can be significantly reduced when drivers recognise and avoid the 'Fatal Five' behaviours: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue and distraction.
Road safety is everyone's responsibility. Learn more about staying safe on Queensland roads: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/fatal-five-staying-safe-roads
