Reminding residents to be road safe

Published on 17 May 2023

Councillor Ellen Smith.jpg

Rockhampton Regional Council reminding residents to be safe on our roads in support of National Road Safety Week and Fatality Free Friday.

National Road Safety Week is held from 14 - 21 May, and the Australian Road Safety Foundation’s Fatality Free Friday is held on 26 May.

Infrastructure Councillor Ellen Smith said these national awareness days encourage the community to keep road safety front of mind.

National Road Safety Week and Fatality Free Friday provide an opportunity to reinforce the importance of road safety, and act as a timely reminder for drivers to take care on our roads,” Cr Smith said.

“Every year approximately 1200 people are killed, and another 44,000 are seriously injured on Australian roads. As each incident occurs, heartbreak follows. 

“These numbers are growing every year but are preventable if we choose to be road safe and don’t become complacent when it comes to road safety. 

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. It is up to you as road users to ensure drivers, pedestrians, and other road users arrive at their destination safely.

“National Road Safety Week is an annual initiative that highlights the impact of road trauma and ways to reduce it.

“Council encourages residents to look at the resources and information shared this week and think before driving.

“Fatality Free Friday backs onto National Road Safety Week and is held on 26 May. This day operates on the belief that if we can go one day without a death on the road, we can create a long-lasting culture that will drive us towards a fatality-free future.

“I call on you, your friends, family and neighbours to choose road safety not only on Friday, 26 May, but every other day.

“I encourage you to think before you drive - think about the people that mean the most to you and what it might mean if you didn’t return home.

“Whether it is a long road trip or you’re just popping down to the shops, always practice road safety to ensure you and your loved ones return home safely."