One death on the roads is too many

27 May, 2014Posted in: Community
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fatality free friday

Wingecarribee Shire’s motorists are being urged to reflect on their driving habits this Friday 30 May as part of the national road safety campaign Fatality Free Friday.

The premise behind Fatality Free Friday is to ensure no lives are lost on Australian roads for just one day.

According to the Australian Road Safety Foundation, just one Fatality Free Friday around the nation would equate to over five lives saved and countless families and loved ones spared the consequences.

Council’s Road Safety Officer Melanie Lausz explained the concept of the campaign.

“The aim of Fatality Free Friday is to encourage all drivers to think consciously about their actions behind the wheel, every day, to help reduce our country’s unacceptable road toll.

“We’re asking drivers to be extra vigilant on the road,” she said. “Some simple tips include being patient with other road users, including cyclists and pedestrians; staying alert; not speeding and slowing down if the weather is wet.”

Ms Lausz said although the event is targeting a single day, the campaign aims for long-term benefits through raised safety awareness, considerate road use and changed driver behaviour.

“Ultimately, one death is too many, so we’re asking everyone to take that little bit of extra care – every single day.”

The Fatality Free Friday road safety campaign follows the appearance of the Fatality Free Friday inflatable car last Wednesday at the Highlands Market Place. The car had been signed by locals and celebrities alike – including V8 Supercar champion Craig Lowndes – who had made the pledge to drive safely on Friday 30 May.

To view more safe driving tips or to sign the Fatality Free Friday pledge online, visit www.fatalityfreefriday.com.

For more information contact Council’s Road Safety Officer Melanie Lausz on (02) 4868 0809.


Extra resources:

For high resolution images of the Fatality Free Friday car at Mittagong Marketplace last Wednesday, please click here.