TRC backs National Road Safety Week message: Pledge to Drive so Others Survive

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is reminding residents to observe the 2022 National Road Safety Week message: Pledge to Drive so Others Survive.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio, TRC Infrastructure Services Committee Chair Cr Carol Taylor and Infrastructure Services portfolio leader Cr Melissa Taylor today (May 16) joined Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) officers and emergency services representatives to launch the road safety campaign that runs until Sunday 22 May.

Mayor Antonio said National Road Safety Week placed a sharp focus on driver behaviour and reinforced important safety messages for all road users.

“Every agency supporting this campaign is committed to saving lives and reducing road accident injuries that cause untold grief and have a huge financial and social cost to our community,” Mayor Antonio said.

“Improving driver behaviour is critical. I encourage everyone to assess their own habits and focus their full attention on the road.

“Drivers also need to pay extra attention to hazards on the roads after numerous storms and flooding events in recent months. We’ve seen a tragic loss of life in our Region and elsewhere after flooding and I can’t stress often enough, ‘If it’s flooded, forget it’.”

Cr Carol Taylor said the national campaign offered a timely reminder for all road users to give their total attention to the road and surrounding conditions every time they set off on a journey.

“We have collective and individual responsibilities as road users, whether we are pedestrians, cyclists, public transport passengers, motorcyclists or motorists,” Cr Taylor said.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone can play their part by focusing on the fatal five at all times. (avoid driver distractions, avoid speeding, drink and drug driving, wear a seat belt and never drive when tired)

“There is no room for complacency. Please remember to avoid taking risks behind the wheel as you not only endanger your own life, but the lives of passengers, other motorists and road users around you.

“Council is committed to improving road safety where and when possible and advocating for better road safety education.

“We continue to implement the actions from our Road Safety Strategy 2019-23.

“Council’s capital works program invests in projects that enhance safety and improve traffic flow for all road users across our Region’s extensive road networks (more than 6,600 km of sealed and unsealed roads). Council also applies for available road funding grants, including allocations under the federally funded Black Spot program, which delivers projects that reduce the incidence and severity of road traffic crashes.

“We also work collaboratively with TMR and the Police and thank all emergency services agencies for the work they perform around the clock to keep our community safe.”