This June long weekend is likely to see many cars, trucks, motorbikes and buses on our roads and drivers are being urged to pledge to drive safe.
Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan, who chairs the Joint Select Committee on Road Safety, says drivers had best do the right thing this long weekend and not risk people’s lives or the double demerit points and fines in force from today until Monday 8 June.
“Every single one of us use the road, which is why I am urging drivers to commit to drive safe this long weekend,” he said.
“Last year there were 1,195 people killed on our roads, that is an average of over three people per day.
“Road fatalities cause major emotional and social strain on families and communities and accidents on our roads cost Australians approximately $30 billion per year.
“Let’s all today pledge to drive safe and not wake up next Tuesday to the news another nine people died somewhere in horrific conditions on our roads.
“I’m asking everyone to take care. Don’t speed, never drink and drive, and if you’re tired – take a break.
“And remember, if you’re a passenger, you have a right to speak up if you don’t feel safe.”
The Federal Coalition Government acknowledges the need to continue investing in road safety, alongside our state and local counterparts, and it invests in the following initiatives:
• Establishment of a new Office of Road Safety to support the Australian Government’s road safety agenda
• $2.2 billion Local and State Government Road Safety Package which includes:
– An additional $1.1 billion for the Roads to Recovery Program
– An additional $550 million for the Black Spot Program
– An additional $275 million for the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity program
– An additional $275 million for the Bridges Renewal Program.
• $1.8 million provided to develop the Digital Road Safety Passport over two years
• the $4 million Road Safety Awareness and Enablers Fund over four years
• the $12 million Road Safety Innovation Fund over four years
• $8 million provided to upgrade Driver Reviver sites over two years;
• $8 million to extend the Keys2Drive program to 30 June 2023; and
• $22 million over four years to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to continue the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiatives program.
