JENNY AITCHISON
MINISTER FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORT AND ROADS
MEDIA RELEASE - COUNTRY DRIVERS URGED TO CONTINUE OT MAKE SAFE DECISIONS AS NATIONAL ROAD SAFETY WEEK ENDS
The new minister for Regional Transport and Roads has called on country drivers to continue making safer decisions each time they get behind the wheel, as National Road Safety Week comes to an end.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said regional NSW has shown a wave of support for National Road Safety Week which kicked off on May 14 and concludes today (May 21).
Several local landmarks including the Big Merino in Goulburn, Kiama and Wollongong Lighthouses, and Parkes War Memorial were lit up yellow as part of National Road Safety Week.
National Road Safety Week is an annual initiative of the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group and aims to highlight the impact of road trauma and ways to reduce it.
"The lighting up of these local landmarks are a poignant reminder of all those who have lost their life in crashes on country roads.
"Regional towns often have close knit communities, which is why the impact of road trauma is felt so strongly. Too often it is someone we know, a loved one, friend, neighbour or colleague.
"I want to thank everyone who got involved by taking the pledge, wearing a yellow ribbon and sharing their personal stories of road trauma to help others remember their responsibilities every time they get behind the wheel.
"This week I had the privilege of meeting Diane and Graeme McMurtrie who tragically lost their 19-year-old daughter Hannah following a crash in the Mid North Coast in March 2013.
"The McMurtries have been through the worst event imaginable for any parent yet have so courageously shared their story - giving an insight to the personal cost of losing a loved one on our roads.
“Country people make up about a third of NSW’s population but over the past five years deaths on country roads made up 67 per cent of our road toll.
"Any death on our roads is one too many. I am committed as the new Minister for Regional Transport and Roads to see the number of deaths and serious injuries on country roads reduce and get closer Towards Zero.
“I urge everyone to remember that road safety is a shared responsibility. Please stick to the speed limit, put your phone away, make sure you’re well rested and never drive if you’re affected by drugs or alcohol. This could help save your life or someone else’s.”
MEDIA:
Wendy Fitzgibbon | Minister Aitchison | 0408 427 540
