RAC is calling on all innovators to take part in a two day road safety hackathon in Bunbury this August.
The RAC Regional Road Safety Hackathon, which runs from 17 August to 18 August at Maker + Co, will focus on the growing rise of inattention as a cause of road trauma, asking participants to come up with a solution to distracted driving.
RAC General Manager Corporate Affairs Will Golsby said inattention now rivalled speeding and drink driving as a leading cause of deaths on WA roads.
“Whether sending a text, eating breakfast or managing the kids in the back seat, every day thousands of motorists put lives at risk by driving distracted,” Mr Golsby said.
“Clearly the current deterrents are not working and as a community we need to consider all options to combat the distraction epidemic on our roads.”
Hackathon participants will work in teams alongside industry mentors to create and test concepts which help put an end to driver inattention.
The winning idea will take home the hackathon champion title and a $2,000 prize, with second place taking home a $1,000 prize and third place a $500 RAC Parks & Resorts voucher.
City of Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan encouraged the community to participate.
“Driving whilst being distracted can lead to deadly consequences,” Mayor Brennan said.
“RAC’s Regional Road Safety Hackathon is a fantastic initiative to get our community thinking about these consequences and how to remain safe on our roads.”
Fifty lives have already been lost on regional roads this year, with 17 occurring in the South West alone.
Bunbury RoadWise Chairperson Cr Karen Steele said everyone had a role to play in reducing trauma on WA roads.
“We’re excited to see what innovative and creative ideas participants co-design to problem solve the issue of driver distraction,” Cr Steele said.
South West traffic police officer-in-charge Sergeant Craig Clarke said people were making poor decisions behind the wheel despite knowing the risks and penalties.
“Mobile phone use is a huge driver distraction which could lead to life altering consequences, the hackathon is a welcome opportunity to change attitudes and behaviours around this dangerous habit,” Mr Clarke said.
For more information and to secure your place at RAC’s Regional Road Safety Hackathon, visit the RAC website.
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Media Contact: Mikayla Wearne - 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
