More carnage on the Captain Cook



Tuesday 9 August 2011

More carnage on the Captain Cook

"Another day, another accident on the Captain Cook Highway." That's how one local described the dire situation after learning of a single-car crash between Port Douglas and Mossman on Sunday night.

Emergency crews attended the accident, which occurred at around 5.00pm, and found the 18 year-old male driver from Mossman hanging upside down in his four wheel drive after leaving the road approximately 1km north of the notorious Port Douglas turn off.

The highway, which is fast becoming known for its dangers as much as for its beauty, was closed while the person was cut free from the vehicle and airlifted to Cairns Base Hospital.

Investigations into the cause are continuing today with the driver being interviewed by police and the Accident Investigation Squad in Cairns.

This latest accident has again sparked debate on how to deal with the issue of road safety on the Captain Cook Highway. Only last Thursday two cars collided head on just south of Oak Beach.

The Newsport asked a number of locals whether they thought the permanent presence of fixed speed cameras would reduce the number of incidents between Cairns and Mossman.

Watch the video to hear what they said, and take part in the poll (left).

Port Douglas Officer-in-Charge Sergeant Damian Meadows said that loss of concentration is the major concern.

"The single biggest contributor to traffic accidents that we're experiencing at present is driver inattention, and that's quite a significant proportion of traffic accidents. People are becoming too complacent.

"One quick mistake could quite easily lead to multiple fatalities."

Sergeant Meadows said that a greater police presence, rather than speed cameras, would be more effective in reducing the number of accidents.

Member for Cook, Jason O'Brien believes there is already a strong police presence on the highway.

"I think the Captain Cook Highway is a heavily policed section of highway," he said.

"We are investing in the roads. We could slow the speed down but I think 100 (kmh) is appropriate for that section (where the latest accident occurred). It opens right up, it has good vision."

Mr O'Brien said he is expecting a response on a proposed roundabout at the intersection of Port Douglas Road and the Captain Cook Highway from Minister for Main Roads, Craig Wallace, in the next fortnight.

How can we stop the carnage? Have your say.