Canberrans are urged to be extra vigilant while driving around our city this National Road Safety Week with four tragic deaths already recorded on our roads this year.
"I encourage everyone in our community to take the pledge this week to drive so others survive," said Minister for Transport Chris Steel.
"Too many people are killed or seriously injured on our roads and we can all play a role 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."
National Road Safety Week provides an opportunity for people to recommit to being safe drivers.
"Every year more than 1,200 people are killed and another 40,000 seriously injured on Australian roads," said Minister Steel.
"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, with the ACT Government progressing substantial reforms to make our roads safer.
"This includes giving ACT Policing new powers to immediately suspend licenses of people going more than 45 kilometres over the speed limit, and impounding their vehicles," said Minister Steel.
"Next week we'll be debating and passing further reforms by increasing maximum penalties for drivers who shouldn't be on our roads, with immediate license suspension for drink and drug driving, and on the spot fines for drink drivers.
"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."
During National Road Safety Week, which runs 5-12 May, Canberrans will see a number of structures lit up in yellow, including Malcolm Fraser Bridge, City Fountain and light rail stops.
Reflective yellow ribbon pledge stickers continue to be displayed on a number of ACT Policing, emergency services and government vehicles, as well as Transport Canberra buses and light rail support vehicles.
