The Rockliff Liberal Government is working hard to improve road safety around Tasmania.
A new ‘Road Safety Starts With Me’ campaign is launching across Tasmania in another measure to curb our unacceptably high road toll.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson, launched the new campaign to mark the start of National Road Safety Week 2023 in Launceston today.
“We were frustrated and devastated when 51 people died, and 263 were seriously injured on our roads last year,” Mr Ferguson said.
“These are not just numbers, they are loved ones who did not return home, dreams that were shattered and families and friends left to grieve.
“As a Government, we will continue to do all we can to ensure people start getting the message and drive safely.
“This is why we are launching a new road safety campaign ‘Road Safety Starts With Me’ to coincide with National Road Safety Week.
“This campaign no longer accepts that crashes just happen, or that they happen to someone else or are caused by others – the most significant way to reduce the road toll is for people to accept responsibility for their own actions.
“This isn’t about someone accepting guilt in a court of law, it is about accepting responsibility for safe driving behaviour before it ever gets to that stage.
“What we are saying is that all road users must concentrate on driving, pay more attention, drive responsibly and to the conditions and follow the road rules.
“High-risk behaviours put others at risk, and we all need to do more to keep ourselves and each other safe on the roads.
“It is simply unacceptable that so many lives are being lost and so much pain is being inflicted on our roads each year.
“We continue to do everything we can to reduce road trauma but when it comes down to it, drivers can either choose to follow the rules and keep people safe or we can resort to enforcement, and nobody wants a fine or worse.
“We are investing in road infrastructure, education, and enforcement to make our roads safer for everyone, but it is up to drivers to make sure they don’t do any harm and that road safety starts with them”, Minister Ferguson said.
Founder of the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group and National Road Safety Week, Peter Frazer, said the 10th National Road Safety Week was an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on their own driving behaviour.
“We want all Australian road users to make a commitment to ‘Drive So Others Survive!’,” Mr Frazer said.
“We are asking drivers, passengers, and all road users to take an online pledge at roadsafetyweek.com.au and in doing so, commit to protecting all those on the road ahead so that everyone can get home safely.
“We must no longer tolerate the unacceptable number of lives lost or serious injuries that occur on our roads.
“We must all work together to make our roads safer for everyone as every life lost, or seriously impacted due to road trauma, is one too many,” Mr Frazer added.
