Pledge to drive, so others survive this National Road Safety Week
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More than three people are killed, and almost another 100 are seriously injured on an average each day on Australian roads.
These alarming statistics have Toowoomba Regional Council Infrastructure Committee Chair Cr Carol Taylor urging motorists to exercise extra caution during National Road Safety Week.
Held from 15 – 22 November, Cr Carol Taylor said the theme for this year's awareness campaign was 'pledge to drive, so others survive'.
"Safer driving is something each one of us can focus on," Cr Carol Taylor said.
"The loss of one life is too many, so it's vital we travel safer on our roads.
"While we can't control what other motorists do on the road, what we can do is lead the way with our actions and take extra caution when we get behind the wheel.
"Our actions make a difference.
"Sit down and have a conversation around road safety to your family, friends and colleagues and how essential it is to take personal responsibility for safe driving.
"Encourage the removal of all distractions when we take the wheel.
"Traffic accidents are our nation's biggest killer. Each year, around 1200 people are killed, and another 44,000 seriously injured in crashes on Australian roads. Most are preventable.
"Let's take more responsibility and share road safety messages. In this way, we can instil better driving habits throughout the community.
"Road safety starts with me."
TRC Infrastructure Portfolio Leader Cr Melissa Taylor said she knew first-hand that safety was paramount for good business.
"The 2020 National Road Safety Week had added a theme of safe driving at work," Cr Melissa Taylor said.
"It is imperative that each of our team members go home to be with their families every night, and it is essential for our customers for the safe delivery of their goods.
"There is never a wrong time for any business to ask, ‘how can we make sure that our staff get home safely?’
"Council has a large fleet of vehicles and many people on our roads, and even one incident is one too many.
"During National Road Safety Week, I would encourage business to get on board and talk with their teams about how they can be safer on the road.
"To raise awareness of National Road Safety Week, Council will light up City Hall and the Victoria Street Bridge in yellow as well as displaying yellow ribbons on vehicles.
Each day of National Road Safety Week will focus on a different area of road safety.
Daily themes for 2020 National Road Safety Week
Monday 16 November: Take the pledge, lead the way – Take the Pledge and lead the way by promising to drive so that you and others survive Tuesday 17 November: Safe Driving to Work - Support your employees to drive, so others survive. Wednesday 18 November: Move over and slow down– Emergency services, roadside assist and roadside workers risk their lives every day to help us. When you see the flashing lights move over and slow down to keep them safe. Thursday 19 November: Protecting every life – It's not just people in cars who are victims of traffic trauma. Drive safely to protect every life along the road, including pedestrians. Friday 20 November: Shine the light on rural road safety – Turn your headlights on for road safety and protect your mates, so everyone gets home safe. Saturday 21 November: Cyclists and Motorcyclists – Our cyclists and motorcyclists are our most vulnerable road users. Share the roads and give them the space they need. Sunday 22 November: The greatest gift you can give your loved ones is to arrive home safe.National Road Safety Week is an annual event held to remember the lives lost on roads and explores ways to decrease these traumatic road events.
For more information visit www.roadsafetyweek.net.au
About National Road Safety Week
National Road Safety Week is an initiative of Safer Australian Highways and Roads (SARAH) Group, established by President Peter Frazer and partnering with road safety advocates to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries caused by crashes on Australian roads.
The SARAH Group was founded following the tragic death of Mr Frazer's daughter Sarah, who was killed in a completely avoidable road crash on the Hume Highway on 15 February 2012. Sarah was 23.