Road safety is important to everyone. With millions of vehicles on the road every day across Australia, it’s vital to ensure the safety everyone who just wants to make their deliveries, get to work on time, and most importantly come home safely.
A staggering 1,227 people lost their lives in road incidents across Australia in 2017 and over a further 35,000 people suffered serious injuries on our roads. These are sobering figures, not to mention the fact that the number one killer of Australians under the age of 15 is traffic injuries, and it’s the number two killer for ages 15 to 24. These are numbers that continue to climb every year but are completely preventable by our communities.
Survive the Drive with Road Safety Week
Part of this awareness is Road Safety Week. It’s an initiative spearheaded by the Safer Australia Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group, who have partnered with local road safety organisations, schools and governments across the country. Their aim is to use this week to demonstrate to drivers, passengers and pedestrians how road injuries or worse can be reduced.
During National Road Safety Week, national and state icons will turn yellow. Emergency vehicles, fleet trucks, cars, motorbikes and bicycles will display yellow ribbons. These activities honour those we have lost and demonstrate the drivers pledge to drive safely. You can check the events happening in your local area and how you can show your support for road safety.
The week highlights the impact of road trauma and ways to reduce it. The National Road Safety Week key events are:
Monday 30 April: Remember the 1200
Today we pause to remember the 1227 people who died on our roads last year. May they rest in peace.
Tuesday 1 May: Protecting those who rescue us
Our rescuers (Emergency services, roadside assist) often place themselves in danger to help us. Let’s make sure we protect them.
Wednesday 2 May: Protecting those who keep us safe
Roadside workers (Road workers, Traffic Controllers) risk their lives every day to help and guide us along the roads. Let’s ensure we keep our distance and keep them safe.
Thursday 3 May: Protecting every life
It’s not just people in cars who are victims of traffic trauma. It’s also pedestrians: children, seniors, people with disabilities. We need to drive safely to protect every life along the road.
Friday 4 May: Shine a light on road safety
All over Australia, our favourite cultural landmark icons are turning yellow to shine a light on road safety.
Saturday 5 May: Yellow ride – cyclists and motorcyclists
Our cyclists and motorcyclists are our most vulnerable road users. Give them space and share the roads.
Sunday 6 May Regional and remote road users
Remote and regional road users can be at most risk from traffic injury. Drive safely and be aware of any potential hazards before you set out on the road.
What You Can Do
Part of this initiative is to talk to school children about what they need to know as they walk alongside busy (and deceptively not-so-busy) roadways unsupervised and reach out to drivers through marketing campaigns about their responsibilities. Speed, safety and distractions are the most common ingredients of a road injury and we need to be mindful of all these factors when behind the wheel. Observe local speed signs, ensure all passengers are wearing their seatbelts and keep your eyes on the road – not your phone.
This year, Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group ask every driver to take a pledge to:
- Drive as if your loved ones are on the road ahead
- Remove distractions
- Never use your mobile phone while at the wheel
- Be aware of, slow down and take care of, vulnerable road users
You can show your support of Safer Roads in Australia by undertaking any of these activities:
- Display a yellow ribbon or sticker on your car, motorbike, truck or bicycle to show your support for National Road Safety Week.
- Share your support on your social networks using the #nrsw or #drivesos hashtags and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
- Talk to your family, friends and colleagues about your intention to drive safely and why it’s important.
- Get your workplace involved with Corporate Partnership, head here to discuss partnership options.
At The Drake Group, we take safety seriously, on the road and off. More than just Australian trailer manufacturers, we design and build a range of dependable and durable transport trailers to suit any of the country’s most demanding roads, we know that the safety of drivers is what’s most important. Contact The Drake Group today to talk to us about how we can get your business moving.
