RAC is urging motorists to be patient and focus on driving safely, as thousands prepare to hit the road again in response to the gradual easing of restrictions.
‘Phase Two’ of Western Australia’s roadmap to recovery will begin on Monday, allowing many businesses to re-open and permitting larger gatherings. People will also be able to travel to some regional areas which were previously closed off.
RAC General Manager Corporate Affairs Will Golsby said we all have a responsibility to re-focus our attention on road safety.
“Our lives have changed dramatically in recent months and our priorities may have temporarily shifted, but it’s critical we don’t lose sight of the risks we face when we get behind the wheel,” Mr Golsby said.
“Alarmingly, research suggests risk-taking behaviour such as speeding has increased on our roads during COVID-19 restrictions, at the same time as more vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, have taken to our streets.
“This is unacceptable and there is no excuse for dangerous behaviour behind the wheel.
“Speed is still the most common behavioural factor contributing to road fatalities, and research shows us pedestrians are twice as likely to be killed when hit by a car travelling at 50 km an hour, compared to 40 km an hour.
“As travel restrictions ease, we’re urging everyone to slow down, be patient and look out for each other — we all have a responsibility to help make our roads safer.”
So far this year, 47 people have lost their lives on WA roads, with 30 of these deaths occurring in regional WA.
“Tragically, people continue to lose their lives and suffer life-changing injuries on WA’s roads every single day and our regional areas are consistently over-represented in road deaths,” Mr Golsby said.
“With some of WA’s regions re-opening to visitors, and many of us eager for a getaway after weeks of social isolation, it’s never been more important to re-focus our attention on driving safely.
“Continue putting yours and the community’s health and safety first — including behind the wheel.”
Media contact: Caitlin Barr, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
