Road safety week begins and WA sets target for zero road deaths by 2050

Australian National Road Safety Week has begun and to kick it off WA has set a target for zero road deaths or serious injuries by 2050.

This target is included in the state’s Road Safety strategy for 2020-2030 which has now been launched.

The strategy called Driving Change will look to reduce the number of people fatally, severely or seriously injured by 50-70 per cent by 2030.

WA Road Safety Minister Michelle Robert said road trauma figures have decreased by around 30 per cent over the last ten years but still around 160 people are killed on WA roads each year and a further 1,500 are seriously injured.

“We can reach our ambitious target of a 50-70 per cent reduction by 2030 by doing more of what works, embracing new technologies and engaging with stakeholders and community,” Robert said.

“We will work with State Government agencies, the Federal Government, local government, first responders, heath care providers, vehicle manufacturers, motoring and community organisations and most importantly you – WA road users – to drive change and save lives.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said National Road Safety Week brings focus to how we can work together to save lives and prevent serious injuries on our roads.

“The beginning of National Road Safety Week is an important date to me, as I’m sure it is to Australians across the country, as we reflect on the profound impact road crashes have on the community,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

National Road Safety week began with a minute of silence to remember the approximately 1200 people that lose their lives on Australian roads each year.

“We take our role in this seriously which is why we committed $500 million for targeted road safety upgrades as part of our infrastructure stimulus package in June, as well as a $2 billion Road Safety Program in the 2020-21 Budget,” he said.

“A significant part of the new infrastructure program will apply life-saving measures to roads in regional areas starting in the New Year, making a very real benefit to road safety.”

He said the Federal Government has also committed $5.5 million over for years for a new National Road Safety Data Hub to facilitate a national picture of safety and ensure investment is targeting the right areas.