Be the change you want to see on the road

Published on 28 September 2022

2022 09 21 - Cr Smith and Acting Mayor Fisher - Rural Road Safety Month

Rockhampton Regional Council is spreading the road safety message this month as part of Rural Road Safety Month.

Acting Mayor Neil Fisher said by spreading the word on the importance of rural road safety, this will ultimately prevent road trauma in our remote and rural areas.

“Rural Road Safety month is a national initiative run by the Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF) that aims to tackle the alarming fact that almost two in three road fatalities occur in regional areas,” Acting Mayor Fisher said.

“This is a frightening statistic and is why we are encouraging all road users to get involved and help save lives this September.

“New research has shown that the lethal combination of bad behaviour and unpreparedness in high-risk rural conditions has been driving the issue.

“It’s important that we realise that all of us have a personal responsibility to take greater action to reduce these problems.

“Being a safer road user on our rural roads can mean the difference between life and death for some road users and is why we are asking all road users to be the change they want to see on the road.”

Infrastructure Councillor Ellen Smith expressed concern over the heightened risks that drivers experience on rural roads.

“When driving on rural and remote roads there are unfortunately additional risks that drivers are exposed to,” Cr Smith said.

“You may be surprised to learn that the rate of serious road-related injury in rural areas is nearly double that of those in major cities.

“This is why it’s so important that our community takes the time to commit to choosing road safety and to being safer, better road users.

“You can do this by staying alert, avoiding distractions such as devices, slowing down on unsealed roads, driving to suit the conditions, taking regular breaks, and having another person in the car be a second set of eyes on the road.

“As we come into the wet season don’t forget that after rain you need to be extra careful and alert of your surroundings. Often after rainfall our rural roads not only become slippery, but they can also become cut off or washed away.

“Although we only have a few days left of Rural Road Safety Month, safety on our rural roads is something that we should have at the front of our minds no matter what time of year it is.” 

For more information and to find out how you can help save lives visit https://arsf.com.au/rural-road-safety-month/