Published on Tuesday, 10 November 2020 at 12:36:59 PM
Every year, approximately 1,200 people are killed and another 44,000 are seriously injured on Australian roads.
These statistics are why the Town of Port Hedland is supporting National Road Safety Week from Monday 16 November until Sunday 22 November, an annual initiative delivered by the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group, partnering road safety organisation and Government.
The Town is seeking to raise awareness of the importance of road safety, particularly in relation to unsecured loads, ANCAP ratings, off road vehicles, ‘busy brain’, mobile phone use while driving, fatigue, wearing a seat belt and Slowing Down and Moving Over (SLOMO) when approaching stationary emergency and service vehicles.
According to the WA Road Safety Commission, so far in 2020 there has been 49 metropolitan and 79 regional WA road fatalities.
Throughout the week, the Town will be sharing the road safety message to raise awareness in the community and encourage reflection and behaviour change among local drivers.
Mayor Peter Carter said the week was an important time for all road users to reflect on their driving behaviours, and identify ways to reduce risks.
“As a regional locality with statistically higher road fatality rates than metropolitan centres, I’m pleased the Town is supporting National Road Safety Week.
“I urge all road users to reflect on how they drive: for example, are there times when you still drive when you’re tired, or perhaps you’re tempted to check your phone while driving? It’s up to all of us to take responsibility and drive safely.
“Particularly in the lead up to the holiday season, residents may be embarking on long road trips out of town, therefore it’s even more crucial to drive safely.
“It’s never worth the risk of just checking that text, or just speeding up, or going without a seat belt.”
The Town will be publishing road safety tips on the Town’s Facebook page throughout the week.
Click here for more information about National Road Safety Week.
For media information:
Laura Hawes
Manager Corporate Affairs
(08) 9158 9365 | lhawes@porthedland.wa.gov.au
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