As Rural Road Safety Month kicks off, the Minn's Labor Government is urging the community to prioritise road safety on country roads.
Now in its seventh year, Rural Road Safety Month is an initiative of the Australian Road Safety Foundation, supported by Transport for NSW. This year's theme is "Help sow the seeds of change; road safety starts with you."
Several activities are planned throughout September to promote the important message of road safety. Notably, Transport for NSW will partner with NSW Police at the Henty Machinery Field Days, Australia's largest agribusiness event, expected to draw over 55,000 visitors from 17 to 19 September. Highlights at the event will include:
- a police highway patrol car and mobile drug testing van; and
- two crashed cars demonstrating impacts at 60km/h and 100km/h.
Additional regional NSW activities include:
- 1-30 September, Grafton: Hats Off road safety initiative, featuring a moving display of hats to represent lives lost on NSW roads in 2023
- 13-15 September, Bathurst: Caravan safety at the Bathurst Lifestyle and Leisure Show
- 14 September, Wagga Wagga: Courtesy breath testing at Wagga Aggies Race Day
- 21 September, Speers Point: Bicycle safety installation at the Lake Macquarie Living Smart Festival
- 28 September - Byron Bay - The Helmet Exchange Program for Aboriginal communities
- 29 September - Ballina - The Helmet Exchange Program for Aboriginal communities
- 30 September - Port Macquarie - The Helmet Exchange Program for Aboriginal communities
Transport for NSW is also supporting NRMA's Rural Road Safety Month campaign, which highlights the unique challenges of driving on regional roads through the wisdom of respected Elders. The campaign aims to enhance driver awareness and safety.
For more information, view the campaign here.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said:
"Country residents make up about one-third of NSW's population, however, nearly two-thirds of deaths occurred on rural and regional roads 2023. We're encouraging locals to do their part to keep their friends and loves ones safe this Rural Road Safety Month.
"Aboriginal people are also twice as likely to be killed on NSW roads as non-Aboriginal people and are four times more likely to be involved in crashes on regional roads, so I welcome the NRMA campaign featuring respected Elders with a strong message for regional communities.
"The long distances often travelled on rural roads mean there really is no room for complacency when you get behind the wheel.
"Take regular breaks, don't drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, obey speed limits, follow the advisory signs, be alert to wildlife and drive to the conditions, and always wear a seatbelt.
"And, whether you're a local or a visitor, please take extra care while driving through rural or regional areas. By making safer choices, we can help everyone get home safe."
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:
"Too many people have lost their lives on our roads this year, forever changing the lives of the loved ones and communities they leave behind.
"We all want everyone to arrive home safely - that's why police enforce the road rules, but there's only so much our officers can do. Everyone has a responsibility every time they get behind the wheel - a responsibility to themselves, their passengers and other road users.
"Let's make sure that we all watch our own and each other's behaviour, follow the speed limit, drive to the conditions, wear a seatbelt and don't drive distracted or while impaired by drugs and alcohol."
NRMA Chief Membership Officer, Victoria Doidge said:
"For over 100 years the NRMA has been a trusted voice on road safety, and we continue to look for innovative and engaging ways to advocate for greater road safety outcomes for motorists, particularly those who are living in rural and regional areas.
"Our rural and regional communities are the backbone of our country and deserve to have the same road safety conditions of those who live in metropolitan areas. We want to ensure that people continue to travel to the regions and can get to their destination safely."
