Tomorrow is CARE Sunday (17thNovember) an event of UN Day of Remembrance for Road Victims. It’s a day to pause and reflect on how we stand in solidarity with the loved ones of those killed on Australia’s roads and highways.
“With 1200 people killed each year and more than 36,000 seriously injured, we forget that behind every statistic there are loved ones who will grieve for the rest of their lives”. Peter Frazer, President Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) said.
“Last week we were in Queensland to remember two wonderful individuals taken from their loved ones in completely avoidable road crashes. Back in 2013, Suzanne Caudell, a Traffic Controller just doing her job, was killed by a speeding distracted truck driver while her husband Colin, witnessed this tragedy. Then November two years ago, Mr Ken Altoft, another traffic controller just doing his job, was also killed on the Bruce Highway at Tanawah in Queensland” he said.
“We often forget that those who work on our roads are at risk of injury or death yet they are out there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, guiding and protecting our community. But if you pass close to them at high speed, for them its like teetering on a cliff edge! Colin knows the heartbreak of losing Suzanne in such an avoidable crash and we hope the community will hear his story.” Mr Jeff Doyle, CEO Altus Traffic said.
In support of Care Sunday, Hon Mark Bailey MP Minister for Transport and Main Roads notes “So far this year, 191 people have lost their lives on Queensland roads. Lives have been irrevocably changed by these tragedies, most of which were preventable. Our government’s vision is to achieve a zero. How can we aim for anything less?”
He went on to say, “It is up to all of us to respect each other on the roads, take responsibility for our actions and ensure you and your loved ones get home safely”.
Mr Paul Robinson, General Manager of the Roadmarking Industry Association of Australia (RIAA) said “Road workers are unsung heroes putting their lives on the line for works that make us all safer. Mr Steve O’Dwyer, President Traffic Management Association of Australia (TMAA) agreed. He asks our community to “Please drive with the utmost care and respect road works restrictions, so that people’s loved ones can get home safely.”
“While it’s a very serious responsibility, it is actually simple to commit to Drive So Others Survive! Get rid of distractions and when approaching those who are vulnerable on the road ahead, slow down and give them the space they need to be safe.” Mr Frazer said.
“And on Sunday 17thNovember, spend a moment thinking about what the Caudell and Altoft families have to endure everyday. Then show them your stand in solidarity with them by displaying a yellow ribbon on your vehicle as your public commitment to ‘Drive So Others Survive!’
You can commit to driving responsibly by pledging at: https://www.roadsafetyweek.net.au/home/#home/pledge
