Every summer, thousands of Canberrans head down the Kings Highway to the coast. Some don’t make it. To get there safely, drivers should slow down, put the phone away, and drive to the conditions, police and politicians say.

ACT transport minister Chris Steel and members of the Kings Highway Road Safety Partnership launched the annual road safety campaign this morning, focused on drink and drug driving, mobile device distraction, and safe driving on the Kings Highway.

“The campaign will highlight the Government’s zero tolerance stand on dangerous and impaired driving, and will remind those drivers of the potential penalties they will face,” Mr Steel said. 

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. When we get behind the wheel, we take responsibility for the lives of not just ourselves, but our passengers and other road users.

“Whether you are travelling or staying in Canberra, ensure everyone gets home safely this summer by making road safety your priority.

“Nothing is more important than making it to your destination safely these holidays. 

“No one wants to cause a serious crash or fatality that could devastate families over Christmas and New Year.

“Drivers should allow extra time to get to their destination, and be patient during expected periods of congestion. Reducing speed, maintaining the speed limit, and leaving a safe distance with the vehicle in front can reduce risks by giving you more time to react to unexpected circumstances.

“There are sections of the Kings Highway with roadworks, so please slow down to the marked speed limit.

“Use the rest areas along the route to the south coast – to stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and take a break.” 

The Kings Highway Road Safety Partnership coordinates enforcement and community education to reduce road trauma on the Kings Highway.

Road safety plan

Mr Steel said the ACT Government is committed to ongoing education, awareness, and safety initiatives to keep local roads safe. To that end, the government today released the ACT’s new Road Safety Action Plan 2024–25, implementing the goals of the ACT Road Safety Strategy 2020–25 and building on the ACT Road Safety Action Plan 2020–23. 

The Action Plan focuses on distracted and dangerous driving; impaired driving; vulnerable road users; education, awareness, engagement and compliance; and safe roads and infrastructure, reflecting the road safety challenges the ACT faces, Mr Steel said.

It sets clear expectations and directions for the ACT Government to do everything possible to reduce road trauma as it strives for Vision Zero.

“The Action Plan strengthens a focus on dangerous driving and protecting vulnerable road users and building a shared responsibility for road safety amongst the community,” Mr Steel said.

The new Action Plan focuses on education and awareness.

More information about road safety in the ACT including the new Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2025 is available at: www.act.gov.au/roadsafety.