The region’s road users are being encouraged to lead the way by driving so others survive, during National Road Safety Week this week.
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said country people make up a third of NSW’s population, but last year deaths on country roads made up more than two-thirds of our road toll.
“These aren’t just numbers; they are all real people with real lives and families,” said Mrs Tuckerman.
“This week is a time for reflection, but we also want everyone on our roads to think about how their choices behind the wheel impact on others and think about how they would feel if they lost a loved one.
“It’s on each of us to take that extra moment, and think about the people we share the road with because the decisions you make can have fatal consequences.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said despite a reduction in the NSW road toll this year, 105 loves ones were still missing from the family dinner table due to crashes on NSW roads.
“Any death on our roads is one death too many and sends shockwaves right through the community, especially in the bush,” Mr Toole said.
“While the NSW Government is making record investment to make our roads the safest in the world, we can’t do it alone.
“This year’s theme of National Road Safety week is ‘Lead the Way: drive so others survive’ and we are encouraging all drivers to reflect and recognise that road safety is a shared responsibility.”
National Road Safety Week is coordinated by Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH), an organisation launched by Peter Frazer following the tragic loss of his daughter Sarah in a crash in February 2012.
Various landmarks across the state will be lit yellow for the week, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Goulburn’s Big Merino and Tamworth’s Golden Guitar, with Towards Zero and yellow ribbon graphics projected onto the pylons until Sunday, 23 May. For more information please visit: http://www.roadsafetyweek.com.au
WENDY TUCKERMAN 