Canberrans should be extra vigilant while driving around our city this National Road Safety Week, transport minister Chris Steel urges. Four people have already died on ACT roads this year.

National Road Safety Week (5 to 12 May) provides an opportunity for people to recommit to being safe drivers.

The public can take a pledge to drive as if their loved ones are on the road ahead; to remove all distractions, and never to use their mobile phone while driving; to not put other people at risk by speeding, driving while tired, or being under the influence of alcohol and drugs; and to protect all vulnerable road users, especially those whose job places them in harm’s way, by slowing down and giving them the space they need to be safe.

“I encourage everyone in our community to take the pledge this week to drive so others survive,” Mr Steel said.

“Too many people are killed or seriously injured on our roads, and we can all play a rôle in reducing road trauma and making our roads safer.

“Make sure you don’t speed; wear a seatbelt; don’t drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol; drive to the conditions; leave your phone alone; and look out for vulnerable road users.

“Every year, more than 1,200 people are killed, and another 40,000 seriously injured on Australian roads.

“It’s our responsibility as a community to commit to safe driving and support ‘vision zero’, that is no deaths or serious injuries on our roads.”

National Road Safety Week also serves as a warning for people who do the wrong thing on our roads, Mr Steel said. The ACT Government is progressing substantial reforms to make roads safer.

Last year, ACT Policing were given new powers to immediately suspend licenses of people going more than 45 kilometres over the speed limit, and to impound their vehicles.

In next week’s Legislative Assembly session, the government intends to increase maximum penalties for drivers who should not be on the road, immediately suspend drink and drug drivers’ licences, and impose on-the-spot fines.

“To support our legislation changes and ACT Policing’s enforcement activities, we will continue to deliver major road safety campaigns that aim to educate, raise awareness and encourage behaviour change within our community,” Mr Steel said.

During National Road Safety Week, a number of structures will be lit up in yellow, including Malcolm Fraser Bridge, City Fountain, and light rail stops.

Reflective yellow ribbon pledge stickers continue to be displayed on ACT Policing, emergency services and government vehicles, as well as Transport Canberra buses and light rail support vehicles.

For more information on National Road Safety Week, and to take the pledge to drive so others survive, visit www.roadsafetyweek.com.au.