Road Safety Week asks each of us to “Stop Driving Blind!”
Announcement posted by Altus Traffic 02 May 2016
~~In-car distraction is a leading cause of road crashes and this year’s theme for National Road Safety Week is #StopDrivingBlind.
At 12:30pm today the Principal Partners of Yellow Ribbon National Road Safety Week - Australian Automobile Association, Altus Traffic Australia, Road Safety Education Ltd and Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) will join with the ACT Minister for Road Safety, Hon Shane Rattenbury MLA, who will lead the national launch.
Both the Governor General Hon Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC and the Prime Minister Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP have released Road Safety Statements in support of Road Safety Week.
Mr Michael Bradley, Chief Executive, AAA noted “An 11 per cent spike in the road toll over the past 12 months shows that every Australian, including our governments, must do more to make our roads safer. As Budget week coincides with National Road Safety Week, we look forward to seeing the Government’s attention on, and investments in, road safety programs and projects this week.”
Mr Peter Frazer, SARAH President added “With more than 1200 Australians killed and over 30,000 seriously injured last year, it is of grave concern that these numbers are now increasing. But 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.”
He went on to say “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.”
“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” noted Mr Terry Birss, CEO, Road Safety Education Ltd.
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.
Mr Jeff Doyle, CEO Altus Traffic Australia said “These personnel put themselves in harm’s way to protect and assist the community. Every day of the year, rain, hail or shine, they are out there working to help us… and in helping us they are being put at risk by distracted drivers. We're asking drivers to look out for the men and women on our roads that are looking out for them.”
“When you see Yellow Ribbons on vehicles, or buildings and structures lit up in yellow, remember that road safety is not just about protecting yourself… It’s about protecting everyone who becomes vulnerable on our roads and highways. So drive as if your loved ones are on the road ahead. Drive So Others Survive!” Mr Frazer said.
Australians can show their support for road safety by signing the 2016 Road Safety Pledge at:
http://www.sarahgroup.org/get-involved/drive-sos-pledge
Media Enquiries for National Road Safety Week
Contacts:
Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Peter Frazer 0466 968 700 (m)
Australian Automobile Association Paul Kindermann 0439 575 669 (m)
Altus Traffic Australia Jeff Doyle 0418 851 276 (m)
Road Safety Education Jenny Ward 0416 141 146 (m)
At 12:30pm today the Principal Partners of Yellow Ribbon National Road Safety Week - Australian Automobile Association, Altus Traffic Australia, Road Safety Education Ltd and Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) will join with the ACT Minister for Road Safety, Hon Shane Rattenbury MLA, who will lead the national launch.
Both the Governor General Hon Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC and the Prime Minister Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP have released Road Safety Statements in support of Road Safety Week.
Mr Michael Bradley, Chief Executive, AAA noted “An 11 per cent spike in the road toll over the past 12 months shows that every Australian, including our governments, must do more to make our roads safer. As Budget week coincides with National Road Safety Week, we look forward to seeing the Government’s attention on, and investments in, road safety programs and projects this week.”
Mr Peter Frazer, SARAH President added “With more than 1200 Australians killed and over 30,000 seriously injured last year, it is of grave concern that these numbers are now increasing. But 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.”
He went on to say “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.”
“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” noted Mr Terry Birss, CEO, Road Safety Education Ltd.
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.
Mr Jeff Doyle, CEO Altus Traffic Australia said “These personnel put themselves in harm’s way to protect and assist the community. Every day of the year, rain, hail or shine, they are out there working to help us… and in helping us they are being put at risk by distracted drivers. We're asking drivers to look out for the men and women on our roads that are looking out for them.”
“When you see Yellow Ribbons on vehicles, or buildings and structures lit up in yellow, remember that road safety is not just about protecting yourself… It’s about protecting everyone who becomes vulnerable on our roads and highways. So drive as if your loved ones are on the road ahead. Drive So Others Survive!” Mr Frazer said.
Australians can show their support for road safety by signing the 2016 Road Safety Pledge at:
http://www.sarahgroup.org/get-involved/drive-sos-pledge
Media Enquiries for National Road Safety Week
Contacts:
Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Peter Frazer 0466 968 700 (m)
Australian Automobile Association Paul Kindermann 0439 575 669 (m)
Altus Traffic Australia Jeff Doyle 0418 851 276 (m)
Road Safety Education Jenny Ward 0416 141 146 (m)