The McGowan Government has set an ambitious target to reduce road fatalities and severe injuries to zero by 2050.
The new target is included in Driving Change – Road Safety Strategy for Western Australia 2020 – 2030, released at today’s Western Australian launch of National Road Safety Week 2020.
Driving Change is the framework to guide WA’s road safety journey over the next decade, to reduce the number of people fatally, severely or seriously injured by 50-70 per cent by 2030.
Developed after extensive community and stakeholder consultation by the Road Safety Commission, Driving Change replaces the State’s current road safety strategy Towards Zero 2008 – 2020.
Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts marked the start of National Road Safety Week in front of an image of a road safety sign first used on Barracks Arch in 1933 – calling for drivers to ‘Take it easy – Speed Kills’.
The Road Safety Commission has developed a timeline of National Road Safety Week events to get the community involved including the inaugural Thank a School Traffic Warden Day and Host a National Road Safety Week Morning Tea.
For a copy of Driving Change – Road Safety Strategy for Western Australia 2020 – 2030 and for more information on National Road Safety Week 2020, visit the Road Safety Commission website.
As stated by Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts:
“To launch our State’s new road safety vision in front of this image of the 1933 Speed Kills sign – that is still relevant 87 years later – proves we need bold leadership to reduce and eliminate road trauma in our State.
“As road users, we all have a role to play in making every journey a safe one to reach the ambitious goal we have set for Western Australia over the next three decades.
“Road trauma figures have decreased by around 30 per cent over the last ten years but still around 160 people are killed on WA roads each year and a further 1,500 are seriously injured.
“We can reach our ambitious target of a 50-70 per cent reduction by 2030 by doing more of what works, embracing new technologies and engaging with stakeholders and community.
“We will work with State Government agencies, the Federal Government, local government, first responders, heath care providers, vehicle manufacturers, motoring and community organisations and most importantly you – WA road users – to drive change and save lives.
“National Road Safety Week 2020 begins today and at 12 noon, we are all asked to pause to remember the 1,200 people who die on Australian roads each year.
“By participating in a National Road Safety Week event, it is the first step in your journey to drive change in your family and community to reduce our ambitious target.”
National Road Safety Week in WA
| Date | Theme/Event |
| Sunday November 15 | Remember the 1200 Minister Roberts announces Driving Change road safety strategy, launches National Road Safety Week in WA and unveils replica 1933 road safety message on Barracks Arch. Pause at 12pm to remember the 1,200 people who died throughout Australia on our roads. |
| Monday November 16 | Take the Pledge, Lead the Way Mandurah Stakeholder Road Safety Forum (Invitation only due to COVID-19 restrictions). Morning teas to make a pledge to drive so others survive. |
| Tuesday November 17 | Safe Driving to Work |
| Wednesday November 18 | Move Over/Slow Down Clubs WA Industry Forum and Trade Expo |
| Thursday November 19 | Protecting Every Life |
| Friday November 20 | Shine a Light Promotion of regional road safety through the release of a powerful photo taken by Wheatbelt farmer, Alan Carter. |
| Saturday November 21 | Cyclists and Motorcyclists Tandemonium – National Road Safety Week Tandem Cycling Muster |
| Sunday November 22 | Arrive home safe for your loved ones Motorcycle Riders Association of WA Emergency First Aid Course |
