Tasmanians are being urged to join the more than 60 thousand road users around the country who have already taken the Road Safety Pledge, promising to Drive so Others Survive.
National Road Safety Week, which runs from 5-12 May, is an annual initiative of the Safety Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group. This year Tasmania is the host state for National Road Safety Week.
“National Road Safety Week is about further promoting road safety awareness in the community and encouraging discussion about how we can make our roads safer and reduce road trauma,” said the Chair of the Road Safety Advisory Council, Scott Tilyard.
“This week and every week, we are asking all Tasmanians to drive so others survive. Taking the Road Safety Pledge serves as a timely reminder that everyone has an important role to play in keeping our roads safe.
“We continue to work towards our vision of zero deaths and serious injuries, but we are not on track to get there. The only way that we can achieve this is by working together,” said Mr. Tilyard.
Around 1200 people die on Australian roads each year as a result of road crashes and another 40,000 are seriously injured.
This year eight people have died and 114 have been seriously injured on Tasmanian roads.
The Road Safety Pledge asks drivers to drive as if loved ones are on the road ahead, to remove all distractions and never use a mobile phone while driving, to not put other people at risk by speeding, driving while tired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs and to protect all vulnerable road users.
The Founder of the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group and National Road Safety Week, Peter Frazer, is urging all drivers, passengers and road users to take the online pledge at https://roadsafetyweek.com.au/
“The collective responsibility lies with us all. National Road Safety Week prompts Australians to reflect on their driving habits and commit to ‘Drive So Others Survive!’
“We urge all drivers, passengers, and road users to pledge their commitment to road safety so that we can ensure that everyone gets home safe to their loved ones, every day with no exceptions,” said Mr. Frazer.
As part of today’s Take the Road Safety Pledge theme, visitors arriving and locals returning home the at Hobart Airport will also be encouraged to take the pledge along with Uber and taxi drivers at the airport.
How to become involved in National Road Safety Week
- Choose to drive safely and take an online pledge at https://roadsafetyweek.com.au/
- Discuss driving safely with your family, friends, and colleagues;
- Wear a yellow ribbon available from Service Tasmania and RACT outlets across the state;
- Attend National Road Safety Week events in your area. Events can be found here: https://rsac.tas.gov.au/national-road-safety-week/
- Visit your local icons when they are lit up in yellow. See full list at https://rsac.tas.gov.au/national-road-safety-week/
- Promote your support for National Road Safety Week on social media using #NRSW2024 or #DriveSoS hashtag or share social content from National Road Safety Week and the SARAH Group.