National Road Safety Week 2023

Friday, 12 May 2023

Marking its 10th anniversary, National Road Safety Week will take place from May 14 to May 21, and serves to remind all road users of the devastating impact road trauma has on individuals, families, and communities.

According to the Australian Road Deaths Database, road crashes are one of the leading causes of death and injury in Australia, with 1,187 people killed and over 40,000 seriously injured in road crashes in 2022 alone.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said the statistics were quite confronting and underscores the need for everyone to take responsibility for their actions and make safer choices on the roads.

"Penrith City Council is committed to improving road safety and reducing the number of deaths and injuries on our roads,’ Cr Hitchen said.

“All levels of government are investing in road infrastructure, education, and enforcement to make our roads safer for everyone, however we need all road users to take responsibility for their actions on our roads.”

This year's National Road Safety Week is calling on all Australians to reflect on the ways we can make our roads safer and to take action to prevent road trauma.

"We all have a role to play in reducing road trauma and making our roads safer. Whether we are drivers, passengers, bike riders, or pedestrians, we must all take responsibility for our actions and make safer choices on our roads," Cr Hitchen said.

During National Road Safety Week, the community is encouraged to remember those who have lost their lives on our roads, to reflect on how we can make our roads safer, and to take action to make a difference.

"Together, we can make a real difference and save lives on our roads. Let us all commit to being safer road users and working towards a future with zero road fatalities," Cr Hitchen added.

The week-long event aims to raise awareness about the importance of road safety and encourage all Australians to play their part in making our roads safer.

For more information about National Road Safety Week, go to: https://roadsafetyweek.com.au/

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Friday, 12 May 2023.