Yesterday, six states achieved zero road deaths on the tenth anniversary of Fatality Free Friday, but sadly, there were still four fatalities on our roads.
An initiative of the Australian Road Safety Foundation, Fatality Free Friday is Australia’s largest community-based road safety program and encourages each and every road user to understand the important role they each play in preventing serious and fatal crashes.
Despite reductions in road deaths over the past decade, Fridays remain as one of the most deadly for road crashes in Australia, recording an average of 4 deaths – many of which are avoidable. Held annually on the last Friday in May, Fatality Free Friday aims to fuel greater accountability among road users and highlight that every decision they make can be the difference between life and death.
Tragically, there were three fatal accidents in New South Wales and the Northern Territory which claimed the lives of four people.
Australian Road Safety Foundation CEO Russell White said that while the initiative took place just one day a year, drivers should commit to driving safely every time they get behind the wheel, to create lasting change on our roads.
“One death on our roads is one too many – on any day of the year – and our hearts go out to the loved ones of yesterday’s victims,” Mr White said.
“Despite yesterday’s tragic events, Fatality Free Friday continually grows momentum and reaches an increasing number of road users, with more than 165,000 drivers taking the road safety pledge to date.
“Our commitment is unwavering, we will continue to drive awareness for road safety beyond the day to steer Australia’s driving culture in the right direction and will strive for a Fatality Free Friday in 2017,” he said.
Caltex’s Executive General Manager Commercial, Bruce Rosengarten, said the tragic loss of life was a reminder that it was the responsibility of everyone, including companies like Caltex, to continue to spread the road safety message.
“This message cannot be underestimated. It’s through initiatives like Fatality Free Friday that we hope to change the mindset of Australians where road safety is front of mind not just on one day but every day.”
-ENDS-
For media enquiries contact:
Danika Turner
Haystac on behalf of Australian Road Safety Foundation
(07) 3119 2441 | 0478 038 707
[email protected]