MPs unite for road safety

Main Roads and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey led his fellow MPs to make a road safety pledge at Parliament House today ahead of Fatality Free Friday (26/05/17).

Mr Bailey said he was encouraged to see many of his Parliamentary colleagues today making this important commitment to road safety.

“Fatality Free Friday calls on road users to promise to take extra care on the roads, but we’re ultimately asking people to make the roads safer for everyone, every day of the year.

“Any loss of life on our roads is tragic. We all need to work together to make our roads safer for everyone.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility.”

Mr Bailey urged MPs to share this important message with their electorates.

“Fatality Free Friday is an ideal opportunity to remind everyone of the human cost of road trauma and that the key to road safety is in their hands,” he said.

Run by the not-for-profit Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF), the campaign asks road users to take the pledge – a promise to themselves, family and friends to consciously exercise road safety and obey the road rules.

Mr Bailey reminded all road users to be aware of the fatal five risky behaviours, which are the common causes of road fatalities.

“Wear a seatbelt and make sure your children are properly restrained; stick within the speed limit; if you’re going to drink, make a plan not to drive; don’t drive when you’re tired and don’t use your mobile phone when you are driving,” Mr Bailey said.

“It is also important to remind drivers to take care at level crossings; slow down and be alert near schools; drive to conditions, particularly in wet weather; don’t tailgate; put your lights on for safety, and remind your friends, family and workmates to take extra care on the roads.”

Held annually on the last Friday in May since its inception in 2007, Fatality Free Friday has garnered support from hundreds of thousands of Australians, who have taken the road safety pledge.

ARSF founder and CEO Russell White said that the Fatality Free Friday initiative is about educating road users on the role they play in reducing the devastating impact of road crashes.

“We urge every motorist, passenger, motorbike rider, cyclist and pedestrian to pledge their support for Fatality Free Friday, because every decision made on or around the road can be the difference between life and death,” he said.

“Let’s all make this a fatality free Friday, and then let’s do our best to make every day as safe as possible on the roads.”

Road users can add a Fatality Free Friday pledge to their Facebook and/or Twitter page: https://twibbon.com/Support/fatality-free-friday-3

For road safety information or to Join the Drive to Save Lives, visit www.jointhedrive.qld.gov.au

ENDS

Media contact:  Amy Hunter- 0423 651 484