Released 25/07/2017
Minister for Road Safety, Shane Rattenbury, today launched National Road Safety Week with a display of empty chairs and empty tables placed outside the ACT Legislative Assembly, representing the 50 people killed on ACT roads over the past 5 years.
“The 50 empty chairs are a stark reminder of the impact of road trauma on our community. Vision Zero – zero deaths on ACT roads – is something we should all be collectively aiming for,” said Mr Rattenbury.
“In the ACT we record an average of 10 deaths and around 800 injuries each year on our roads. In 2015, there were 7,848 reported crashes in the ACT which involved 15,355 vehicles and resulted in 811 casualties including 15 fatalities and 131 hospital admissions.
“I am asking Canberrans to reflect on the lives we lose every year and remember that it is unsatisfactory to accept that road deaths are an inevitable part of our road transport system,” Mr Rattenbury said.
The main activity of National Road Safety Week involves tying a yellow ribbon to your car, bicycle or motorcycle as a symbol of commitment to safer driving and to reflect on the impact of road trauma.
“Throughout the week, which this year runs from 2 to 8 May, yellow ribbons will be displayed on police and emergency services vehicles. The ACT Government has also arranged for The National Carillon, Questacon, The Royal Australian Mint, The National Archives, Albert Hall, Parliament House, Old Parliament House and the Kings Avenue and Majura Parkway overpasses to be lit up in yellow at night.”
“The theme for this year’s campaign is ‘Stop Driving Blind!’. Despite the well documented risks, around 13 per cent of ACT drivers admit to using a handheld mobile phone when driving – with 4 per cent of these drivers stating that they do this all the time.
“The current penalty for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is a $386 fine and three demerit points.
“I am urging all drivers to set a National Road Safety Week resolution to Drive So Others Survive or Drive SOS which is the slogan for National Road Safety Week. Obey the speed limit, wear a seatbelt, don’t drink or take drugs and drive and keep your hand off that mobile phone – and if we can do all those things, then we will go a long way towards achieving Vision Zero,” Mr Rattenbury said.
- Statement ends -
Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases
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