National Road Safety Week is an annual initiative of the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group established by Peter Frazer after his daughter Sarah was tragically killed in a road crash on the Hume Highway in 2012.
The campaign begins with a day to remember the 1,200 lives lost on Australia's roads and highways last year.
In NSW, in 2022, Transport for NSW reports that 288 people lost their lives on NSW roads, including 200 on country roads. As well as the lives lost, crashes on NSW roads leave more than 10,000 people with serious injuries every year.
Blue Mountains City Council and Local Blue Mountains Police Area Command support National Road Safety Week.
Blue Mountains Mayor, Cr Greenhill OAM, said: "We wholeheartedly endorse this important initiative and reinforce the lifesaving messages of this campaign to the community - obey the speed limit, don't drive tired, and if you have been drinking or taking drugs do not get behind the wheel. Whether you're the driver, passenger or another road user, every decision you make on the road matters".
Speed, fatigue and drink/drug driving are the three main causes of death and injury on NSW roads.
Sergeant Ling from Blue Mountains Highway Patrol said: "While National Road Safety Week is a week to focus on road trauma, every time a motorist drives, they should focus on how they can reduce road trauma by not speeding, drink or drug driving, or using a mobile phone while driving."
Safety Australian Roads and Highways President Peter Frazer OAM said: "Improving road safety across our nation has become our life's work but it started here in the Blue Mountains, inspired by the support of this community. I want to thank the Councillors and staff of the City of Blue Mountains for their support, and especially Mayor Cr Mark Greenhill OAM and the former Mayor Cr Daniel Myles who have stood "shoulder to shoulder" in solidarity with us on this journey."
Australian Governor-General, the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) said: "I am proud to support National Road Safety Week and commend all involved in SARAH Group as well as its Principal Partners and supporters for staying the course in helping affect positive change in driver behaviour."
To find out more about National Road Safety Week, visit roadsafetyweek.com.au and take the pledge to drive so others survive. By taking the pledge you are making a commitment to drive responsibly on the road to protect every life, every time you drive.
Yellow ribbons and other yellow ribbon National Road Safety Week items are available by donation at Council's customer service counters in Katoomba and Springwood. They can also be purchased online at roadsafetyweek.com.au.
