Australian States and Territories are glowing yellow this year in commemoration this National Road Safety Week from 15 to 22 May 2022.
Every night this week, various well-loved sites will light up yellow to remember the 1,200 lives lost, and more than 39,000 people seriously injured on Australia’s roads each year.
Among the buildings, bridges, and icons that will glow yellow are the Kiama Lighthouse (NSW), Adelaide Convention Centre (QLD), Road Trauma Memorial Geelong (VIC), Bridge of Remembrance Hobart (TAS), old Toodyay library (WA), the Royal Australian Mint (ACT), and many more!
Created by Peter Frazer of the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group following the death of his 23-year-old daughter in a tragic car crash, the Week features several activities that encourage road users to become road safety warriors so they can actively protect vulnerable road users.
“Our ‘Drive So Others Survive!’ theme asks everyone on the road to monitor their own behaviours and ensure the safety of all people on the road ahead, especially vulnerable road users,” said Mr. Frazer.
“So, we are asking the Australian community to step up and become ‘Road Safety Warriors’ who not only make the safety of others their priority but also their influence their family, friends and work colleagues to do the same”.
Apart from the commemorative lighting of iconic structures, this week’s events and activities will focus on a different area of road safety every day. This includes:
- Sunday 16 May: Remember the 1200: Too many lives are lost on our road, today we remember those lost on our roads & highways
- Monday 17 May: Protecting every life: Take care of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, school children, elderly people, and families
- Tuesday 18 May: Take the Pledge – Lead the way: Lead the pledge to drive so others survive and sign up online at roadsafetyweek.com.au
- Wednesday 19 May: Move Over/Slow Down: Protect those who protect us by slowing down and giving them the space need to stay safe. This includes police, emergency services, roadside assistance, tow trucks, traffic controllers and other workers who use vehicles as a workplace.
- Thursday 20 May: Save Lives – Slow Down: Reflecting the UN Road Safety Week theme ‘Speed’
- Friday 21 May: Regional communities count: Drive so others survive in the country and city
- Saturday 22 May: Share the road: Give cyclists and motorcyclists the space they need. Tie a yellow ribbon on you bike or wear a yellow vest for #YellowRide
- Sunday 23 May: Arrive home safe: Get home safe for your loved ones.
As road users, there are several ways we can get involved this week including discussing safe driving practices in our fleet and taking an online pledge at www.roadsafetyweek.com.au.
You can also check out AfMA’s Drive Safer Resources here to learn more about how you and your drivers can be road safety warriors every day of the year.
