Driver behaviour in the spotlight this National Road Safety Week

National Road Safety Week (16-23 May) is a national initiative from the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group, partnering road safety organisations and government.  

The week highlights the impact of road trauma and ways to reduce it. 

In 2021, 25 people have lost their lives on roads in the City of Greater Dandenong, the City of Casey and Cardinia Shire. Victoria Police reported a number of factors contributed to collisions including poor driver behaviour, people failing to obey simple road rules, speed, drug and alcohol-impaired driving, fatigue and driver distraction. 

Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Brett Owen encouraged anyone who gets behind the wheel to take care and take the pledge to ‘drive so others survive’. 

“We’ve had a horrific start to 2021 on our roads. It’s incredibly concerning to see so many crashes due to preventable behaviours. My thoughts go out to the families and friends who have lost a loved one on the road," he said.  

“To be seeing so many lives lost due to irresponsible driver behaviour is unacceptable. When we get behind the wheel, every single one of us has a responsibility to take care and to follow the road rules - because it’s not just about you out there; it’s about everyone that shares the road with you.”   

Residents are being encouraged to follow a set of simple steps before they get behind the wheel: 

Slow down.  Obey the road rules.  Concentrate and put devices away.  Do not drive drug or alcohol affected. Drive to the conditions and be considerate of other road users. 

Outside of National Road Safety Week, Council conducts a range of initiatives to encourage safer road use for road users and pedestrians, including but not limited to:  

The installation of dual road signs communicating road safety messages and speed awareness campaigns.  Supporting programs such as Looking After our Mates, L2P (Learner Driver Program, bike ed instructor accreditation and accreditation programs across schools.  Hosting free driver expo events, including the upcoming Senior's Driver Expo.  Ongoing joint operations with Victoria Police, including the Act Safe, Stay Safe program.  School and student road safety education programs. 

Council remains committed to improving the local road network and road safety as part of our Road Safety Strategy, Safer Community Strategy and Better Local Roads Programs, and continues to advocate for further upgrades to major roads that will improve the safety of our roads and community.  

Anyone who witnesses anyone driving erratically is encouraged to call 000. 

To pledge to 'drive so others survive', or for more information about National Road Safety Week, visit https://roadsafetyweek.com.au/