2022 was one of the ACT’s worst years on record for road deaths; two people have already been killed in motor accidents this year; and authorities are determined the death toll shall not rise.
Today marks the start of the tenth National Road Safety Week, and politicians and police urge the public to ‘drive so that others survive’.
“It’s important that every single one of us who is driving on the road takes responsibility for other road users,” Chris Steel, ACT minister for transport, said.
“If people want to do the wrong thing on the road … that creates a hazard for other road users that can result in serious injury or death. … It shatters families, and they never quite get over it.”
Last year, 18 people died on ACT roads, three in Road Safety Week itself. It was the worst year on record since 2010.
Across Australia, 1,200 people die on roads every year, or 100 a month; 44,000 more are injured.
The ACT Government and ACT Policing are committed to Vision Zero: no deaths or serious injuries on the road transport network.
“One life lost is too many,” Deputy Chief Police Officer Doug Boudry (ACT Policing) said.
“Every single one of those [deaths] should be preventable,” Mr Steel said.
First responders – police, ambulance, and fire and rescue – go to tragic events far too frequently, Mick Gentleman, ACT minister for police and emergency services, said.
“When you get behind the wheel, think about your whole community – not just about yourself … but how the rest of the community is going to fare if you have an accident,” Mr Gentleman said.
Driving safely
Canberra drivers should drive to the conditions, and not speed. While excessive speeding is dangerous, even going five km/h over the speed limit can double the risk of a crash in a 60 km zone, Mr Steel said.
Canberrans should not drive while intoxicated, nor be distracted by a mobile phone.
They should also look out for the most vulnerable road users: cyclists and pedestrians, who do not have the protection of a car around them, Mr Steel said.
Cycling advocacy group Pedal Power ACT recommends that motorists:
- Leave 1 metre between their car and bicycles if the posted speed limit is up to 60km/h.
- Leave 1.5 metres between their car and bicycles if the posted speed limit is above 60km/h.
- Watch out for cyclists, particularly at intersections and roundabouts.
- Check behind them for cyclists, before opening their car door.
- Remember that cyclists are legitimate road users.
- Anticipate other road users’ actions.
In 2022, 35 cyclists and 164 pedestrians died on Australian roads, Pedal Power’s executive director, Simon Copland, noted.
“While these activities are, overall, very safe in Canberra, one mistake can easily cost someone their life.”
Pledge
On the Road Safety Week website, motorists can take a pledge to drive so others survive.
The pledge reads:
“I pledge to drive as if my loved ones are on the road ahead.
“I will remove all distractions and never use my mobile phone while driving.
“I will not put other people at risk by speeding, driving while tired or under the influence of alcohol/drugs.
“I will 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.”
So far, nearly 56,500 people have signed the pledge – and Mr Steel wants more Canberrans to do so.
This year, many police will visit the Road Safety Week website to take the pledge.
“Hopefully, that’s an example to others in the community to do the same,” Mr Boudry said.
But several drivers, arrested on the weekend, faced court today for dangerous driving and other offences.
“It’s disappointing that we are seeing people go before the courts with these types of offences,” Mr Boudry said.
National institutions will also be lit up in yellow to remind Canberrans to drive safely.
ACT Government measures
This year, the ACT Government will update its Road Safety Action Plan for the next two years, Mr Steel said. It contains national reforms, measures to strengthen ACT road safety laws, and to improve infrastructure – beginning with changes to the basic design of streets. He said the government will also work with the Commonwealth to make black spots, dangerous intersections, and highways safer.
