Penrith City Council is urging community members to take care on our roads and take the pledge to ‘drive so others survive’ in recognition of National Road Safety Week (May 15 to 22).
National Road Safety Week is an annual initiative from the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group, partnering road safety organisations and Government.
The week aims to highlight the impact of road trauma and ways to reduce it, as each year around 1200 people are killed on Australian roads, with another 44,000 seriously injured in accidents.
Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said National Road Safety Week reminds us that we all have a part to play in keeping ourselves and our communities safe on the road.
“People often get complacent when they drive as it’s part of their everyday routine and that is how accidents happen,” Cr Hitchen said.
“According to crash data obtained by Transport for NSW, over a five-year period (2016 – 2020) there were 28 people killed and a further 2,351 injured in crashes in the Penrith LGA – Behind the statistics are real people with families, friends, and workmates.
“Join me in support of National Road Safety Week and help make our roads safer for all road users. Always drive so others survive”.
“Drivers are reminded to slow down and give emergency vehicles and road workers space when passing. Drive at or under the speed limit, never drive while distracted, tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and remember to always look out for vulnerable road users”.
Take the pledge to drive so others survive. Remember: It’s everyone’s right to get home safe.
To find out more and take the pledge online, visit roadsafetyweek.com.au.
For National Road Safety Week, Council is partnering with Transurban and Kidsafe to host a free child seat safety checking day.
Residents living in the Penrith LGA are encouraged to book in for this event, which will be held outside the Civic Centre (601 High Street, Penrith) on Saturday, May 21 between 8.30am and 12.30pm.
Professional fitters will install and inspect baby capsules and booster seats for free. Bookings are essential.
To book your free child seat safety check, call Council on 4732 7777 or email [email protected].
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