Released 25/07/2017
Joint media release Mick Gentleman MLA and Shane Rattenbury MLA.
Drivers are urged to slow down and drive so others survive as Canberra turns yellow for National Road Safety Week.
Road Safety Minister Shane Rattenbury and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman said the annual week is an opportunity to reflect on the lives lost and make a commitment to road safety.
“In 2016 alone, there were 7,909 reported crashes in the ACT, 11 deaths and 736 injuries on our roads – this is not an acceptable toll and we must all play our part in working towards vision zero,” Mr Rattenbury said.
National Road Safety Week is an initiative of the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH), which was established by Peter Frazer after his daughter was killed on the Hume Highway near Mittagong in February 2012.
“This year it is also the United Nations Global Road Safety Week with a focus on how speed is a risk factor for death and injury,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“We have placed large yellow floral wreaths on four of the highest collision roads in the ACT due to their history of crashes, traffic level and travel speeds.
“These wreaths signify the memory of road trauma victims and will assist us to turn our black spots into yellow spots, or places that remind road users to take extra care.”
National Road Safety Week this year runs from 8 to 14 May. A number of prominent buildings in the ACT including the Old Parliament House and the Telstra Tower will be illuminated at night in yellow and all ACTION bus drivers will be wearing a yellow ribbon lapel in support of this year’s campaign.
Mr Gentleman also encouraged Canberrans to tie a yellow ribbon to their car, bicycle or motorcycle as a symbol of their commitment to road safety.
“Emergency services vehicles in the ACT will have yellow ribbons displayed throughout the week,” Mr Gentleman said.
“This week Canberrans should reflect on the lives we lose each year on our roads. Emergency service personnel see first-hand the devastation of road crashes, and must tell families that their loved ones aren’t coming home.
“I am urging all drivers to obey the speed limit, wear a seatbelt, don’t drink or take drugs and drive and keep your hand off that mobile phone. If we can do all these things we will go a long way towards achieving Vision Zero.”
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases