Queensland Police Service (QPS) Superintendent Peter Flanders is hanging up his helmet and retiring after more than 41 years of service, leaving a lasting legacy of motorcycle safety.
Superintendent Flanders’ career began in January 1983 as a cadet and took him across regional Queensland before a chance opportunity sparked his passion for road and motorcycle safety.
“A twist of events landed me at Brisbane Traffic Branch, where I stepped in for another officer at a motorcycle safety day. That day planted the seed, and I’ve never looked back,”
“As a senior QPS motorcyclist, I’ve taken on a grandfather role for our bike riders and am a firm believer that road safety is a shared responsibility of all road users.”
During his four-decade career, he has witnessed significant improvements in technology to help police road safety and create safer roads for all users.
“The introduction of Random Breath Testing (RBT), first known as Reduce Impaired Driving, was the biggest game changer in road safety in my time.”
“Drink driving is the number one contributing factor in 30 per cent of fatal crashes in Australia. More than one in four drivers and riders killed on Australian roads have a blood alcohol content exceeding the legal limit.”
“RBTs are not just for catching drink drivers, they give police the capacity to intercept any vehicle any time. The importance of this in terms of road safety and criminal interdiction cannot be understated,”
Motorcycle riders have been identified as one of the most vulnerable road users with research showing that they are 30 times more likely to be killed in a crash than car occupants, Superintendent Flanders has championed riders and reminded them that rider training is a lifetime commitment.
“Riders must identify risks, create safe distances, and always have a reason to come home safely,” Superintendent Flanders said.
“If you ride with skill and a safety orientated mindset, bikes are fun and extremely safe.”
Only five per cent of Queensland registered vehicles are motorcycles and its vital all road users including cars, heavy vehicles and bike riders all look out for each other.
“There’s no hierarchy on the road-everyone deserves equal respect,” Superintendent Flanders said.
“Take an extra second to check for bikes. Understand that most riders have families and want to get home safely too.”
As Superintendent Flanders’ steps into retirement, his hope is to have provided leadership in road safety and inspired others to share his unrelenting desire to save lives. For young officers, his advice is timeless
“You are your integrity. Protect it with everything you have.”
Superintendent Flanders’ legacy is a testament to his dedication, experience, and a deep belief in the value of life.
For all road users, his message is clear, “Consider the other person. Together, we can ensure everyone gets home safely.”
The Queensland Police Service is committed to reducing the 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
