Road Safety Week targets distraction

An 11% spike in the Australian road toll over the last 12 months is behind a call for the nation’s motorists to ‘Stop Driving Blind’. In the last year alone, 1200 Australians have lost their lives and 30,000 were seriously injured on our roads, with in-car distraction being identified as a leading cause of crashes. 

This week is National Road Safety Week (2–8 May), which is organised by principal partners the Australian Automobile Association, Altus Traffic Australia, Road Safety Education and Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH).

SARAH President Peter Frazer says that it is of grave concern that these numbers are on the rise and, more importantly, that “these statistics tell us nothing about the personal stories of those involved, of our emergency services personnel who become traumatised by what they see, of the parents and partners left to identify their loved ones, and of the sad legacy faced by family and friends for the rest of their lives.

“We all have a shared responsibility to improve road safety outcomes. Governments must commit to building and maintaining roads and highways that meets Australian standards. Too often, the way the infrastructure is designed can of itself put lives at risk. And with regard to drivers, distraction is now becoming a leading cause of crashes. So put down your mobile and make a decision to look after those on the road ahead,” said Frazer. 

Terry Birss, CEO Road Safety Education, echoed these thoughts. “This initiative is about education as well as generating commitment. Early road safety education is essential. So whether you are an experienced or novice driver, we want all Australians to show that they are road safety advocates by displaying a yellow ribbon on their vehicles and/or wearing a yellow lapel ribbon. As advocates, they not only demonstrate that they actively protect all road users, but in addition, they show that they stand in solidarity with those who have been injured or killed in road crashes,” he said.

While Road Safety Week is concerned with all vulnerable road users, a primary focus will be on our police and emergency services personnel, tow truck drivers, road workers and roadside assistance.

Australians can show their support for road safety by signing the 2016 Road Safety Pledge using this link.