Day three of National Road Safety Week in Tasmania is focussed on driver inattention – one of the “Fatal Five” causes of serious injuries on our roads.
A demonstration by the RACT at Rokeby this afternoon has shown the dangers of driving distracted – in this case, texting – and how only a moment of inattention can have lifelong consequences.
The Hodgman Liberal Government is strongly committed to working with the community to reduce the incidence of serious injury crashes and to save lives.
Today, we were pleased to be joined by Peter Frazer, the founder of National Road Safety Week and president of its organising body, Safer Australian Roads and Highways.
Mr Frazer has worked tirelessly to raise public awareness around the country about road safety, and was motivated to take up the cause after the tragic death of his daughter, Sarah, who was killed by an inattentive driver in 2012.
National Road Safety Week and its yellow ribbons remember those who have lost their lives on our roads, while encouraging us all to take greater care.
Today’s activities remind us that using mobile phones while driving is one of the biggest causes of driver distraction and inattention.
Tasmania Police booked 37 drivers over Easter for using their mobile phones while driving, and will be particularly on the lookout today for such offences.
The message is simple – When you are driving, focus on driving and nothing else.