Fatality Free Friday

Road safety is a complex issue and it is impossible to find one single key to reducing road trauma. Since its inception in 2007, the Fatality Free Friday (FFF) campaign has expanded its operation and is now recognised as Australia’s only national community-based road safety program. Organisers believe that if drivers consciously think about road safety and safe driving for just one Friday in the year, that day’s toll (statistically about 5.3 deaths) could be reduced to zero.

Individuals and companies alike are invited to take part in the event on 29 May by registering a pledge online. By taking the pledge, drivers are promising to:

• Remind family, friends and workmates to take extra care on the roads;
• Put lights on for safety;
• Be mindful to drive safely and follow the road rules;
• Not speed and not drink and drive;
• Take care at level crossings;
• Slow down in the wet and drive to suit the conditions;
• Not tailgate other drivers and look as far ahead as possible;
• Wear a seatbelt;
• Not use a mobile phone while driving;
• Set a good example to passengers by driving calmly and safely;
• Take care as a pedestrian when crossing the road or street.

Whilst the target is to have a fatality-free Friday, the ultimate aim is for long-term community change. FFF organisers believe that if drivers are asked to actively concentrate on road safety and safe driving for just one day in the year, they’ll drive safer for the next few days too and, over time, change their outlook completely, consciously thinking about safety each and every day they get behind the wheel.

To date, over 100,000 road safety pledges have been signed for the 2015 event.

The event is funded by Queensland Government, Department of Transport and Main Roads.