Despite best efforts, the rate of death and serious injury on Tasmanian roads remains too high. 26 people have died on our roads so far this year, with another 86 people hospitalised with serious injuries, highlighting the need for initiatives such as National Road Safety Week (15 – 22 May) launched by Road Safety Advisory Council Chair, Scott Tilyard today.
Across Tasmania, some of our favourite buildings and icons will light up in yellow to remember those we have lost and those who have been seriously injured including the Remembrance Bridge in Hobart, Ritchies Mill in Launceston, the Burnie Makers Centre and the Goliath Silos in Devonport.
Road Safety Advisory Council (RSAC) Chair, Scott Tilyard today urged Tasmanians to take the pledge to drive so others survive.
“I implore all Tasmanians to take the online pledge to drive safely at www.roadsafetyweek.com.au,” he said.
“By pledging to Drive So Others Survive, you are making a commitment to do just that.
To not speed, to put your mobile phone away, to wear your seatbelt and to not drive if you are tired or have consumed alcohol or drugs.
“Safe driving shouldn’t be restricted to the week, of course. We want to see everyone drive safely, not only throughout National Road Safety Week, but all year round,” Mr Tilyard said.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson, said we’re still seeing Tasmanians dying because too many drivers choose to ignore the dangers of the “Fatal Five” – speeding, drink-or drug driving, inattention, fatigue, and failure to wear seat belts.
“In this sense, our biggest problem is not our cars, our roads or our policing. It’s our attitude and decisions we make behind the wheel. To target those who choose to do the wrong thing, the Tasmanian Government is boosting enforcement through an automated camera enforcement program,” Mr Ferguson said.
“I introduced a Bill to Parliament earlier this month to allow for this technology, which will be vital in dealing with high-risk driving behaviours.
“This contemporary mobile camera program will see an initial eight cameras on our roads, allowing for expansion to 16 cameras and functionalities such as detection of illegal mobile phone use and lack of seat belts.
“No fatality on our roads is acceptable and we simply have to work harder together to bring our deaths and serious injuries down,” he said.
Peter Frazer said “I want to thank and commend the Tasmanian Government and the Road Safety Advisory Council for everything they are doing to protect their citizens. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts more than 12,000 Australians have died and over 400,000 seriously injured since my beautiful daughter Sarah was killed by a distracted driver a decade ago.
How to get involved
- Choose to drive safely and take an online pledge to do that at www.roadsafetyweek.com.au
- Discuss driving safely with your family, friends, and colleagues
- Wear a yellow ribbon available from Service Tasmania outlets across the state.
- Visit your local icons when they are lit up in yellow.
- Promote your support for National Road Safety Week on social media using #NRSW or #DriveSoS hashtag or share social content from National Road Safety Week and the SARAH Group
Each day of the week will focus on a different area of road safety.
Daily themes
- Sunday 15 May: Remember the 1200: Today we remember the lives lost on our roads.
- Monday 16 May: The Road to Zero: Take the pledge to drive so others survive.
- Tuesday 17 May: Road trauma – the true impact: Travel safe so we can all live without injury and trauma.
- Wednesday 18 May: Protect our protectors: Slow down to protect those who protect and assist us.
- Thursday 19 May: How safe is my car: Think about safety when choosing a car and check how safe your current car is.
- Friday 20 May: Let us all get home safe: When driving, slow down and look out for pedestrians
- Saturday 21 May: Share the road: Give each other the space needed to be safe.
- Sunday 22 May: Take care on country roads: Slow down, be alert and drive to the conditions.