Released 11/12/2024
Canberra drivers are being reminded to slow down, put the phone away, avoid unsafe overtaking and drive to the conditions on the Kings Highway this summer.
Today Minister for City and Government Services Tara Cheyne joined members of the Kings Highway Road Safety Partnership to launch the annual road safety campaign.
“As we approach the peak summer holiday period we know there will be more motorists on the road, particularly on the Kings Highway, as Canberrans head down the south coast,” Minister Cheyne said.
“I urge Canberrans to make road safety a priority this summer, so everyone gets where they need to. No one wants to cause a serious crash or fatality that keeps families apart.”
Drivers are reminded to allow extra time to get to their destination and be patient during expected periods of congestion. If you don’t have to overtake the vehicle in front of you - then don’t.
Reducing speed and leaving a safe distance with the vehicle in front can reduce risks by giving you more time to react to unexpected circumstances.
“To give yourself the best chance of arriving safely, avoid driving when tired. There are rest areas along the route to the south coast – use them to stretch your legs, get some fresh air and take a break.”
The Kings Highway Road Safety Partnership is an active program providing a coordinated approach between enforcement and community education to reduce road trauma on the Kings Highway.
Minister Cheyne said the ACT Government is committed to ongoing education, awareness, and safety initiatives to keep our local roads safe. Other ACT Government road safety campaigns will be in market over the summer holiday period targeting drink and drug driving and mobile distraction.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. When we get behind the wheel, we take responsibility for the lives of not just ourselves, but our passengers and other road users.”
“Whether you are travelling interstate or staying in Canberra, ensure everyone gets home safely this summer by making road safety your priority.”
Quotes attributable to Officer in Charge of ACT Road Policing, Detective Inspector Mark Steel
Officer in Charge of ACT Road Policing, Detective Inspector Mark Steel said ACT Policing will be working collaboratively with the NSW Police Force to target speeding, along with drug and alcohol impaired drivers, urging all road users to be aware of speed limits along the highway.
“We know that summertime sees an increase of vehicles and holiday-goers travelling along the Kings Highway. This means that drivers should be patient, vigilant and allow additional time when travelling from Canberra to the South Coast,” Detective Inspector Steel said.
“Speeding and impaired driving are two of the top five factors in fatal collisions on our roads. This summer we want everyone who is travelling to reach their destination safely by slowing down, driving to the conditions, and taking a break every two hours.”
“Not only do police want everyone to arrive safely, but your friends and family are counting on your safe arrival too. Don’t put the lives of those in your car or the cars around you at risk this festive season by making the wrong decision when you get behind the wheel.”
- Statement ends -
Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases