Senator the Hon Carol Brown
Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport

Dan Repacholi MP
Federal Member for Hunter

MEDIA RELEASE

NEVER COMPROMISE ON ROAD SAFETY

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. This holiday period, the Australian Government urges drivers to choose road safety – whether you are buckling up for a drive or walking close to a road.

Over Christmas, we know there is an increase of road usage as people enjoy the festive season.

Nearly 1,200 people have been killed on Australian roads in the year ending in October this year, a 6 per cent increase of road deaths compared to the previous 12 months.

We are urging motorists to be extra cautious on rural and regional roads. Those roads, as well as some in urban areas have suffered extensively from recent floods, meaning drivers should drive with the expectation that roads will be damaged.

Almost two-thirds of road deaths each year happen on rural and regional roads. Although it is easy to blame the concentration of rural road deaths on visitors, we know locals are just as vulnerable to being killed or seriously injured.

So, whether you forgot to grab some cream for the pav’ or heading on a road trip, think before you drive.

Is your car safe to drive? Are you safe to be behind the wheel or are you too tired to be driving? Are your loved ones buckled up? Is everything secure? Have you planned your journey if you are driving an unfamiliar route?

Drive to the conditions; drive so others survive.

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown:

“Every death on Australian roads is a tragedy.

“My message could not be clearer – wear a seat belt, don’t drink and drive, stop and rest if you’re tired and importantly, slow down on rural and regional roads and don’t speed.

“Drive to the conditions and drive so others survive.”

Quotes attributable to Dan Repacholi MP, Federal Member for Hunter:

“The best holidays are those where everyone stays safe and well, and that means taking road safety seriously at all times.

“These holidays are a great opportunity for everyone to take a well-deserved break off the back of another busy year, to reconnect with family and friends, and spend quality time together.

“According to the Australian Road Safety Foundation, 1,200 lives are tragically lost on Australian roads per year. This statistic is shockingly high.

“Everyone can play their part to keep themselves and those around them safe on our roads, such as planning ahead, taking their time, sharing the driving, stopping to rest and recover, and remaining aware of the conditions.”