Safer journeys this summer

With the arrival of summer’s warmer weather and longer days, the outdoors beckon, leading to a surge in activity on our roads. Coupled with the hustle of pre-Christmas and end-of-year events, our roads are about to become even busier, requiring extra care and attention from all users.

Now is the perfect time to remind everyone about the importance of road safety for all. Whether you’re walking, cycling, scooting, riding a motorcycle or driving, you have a role to play in keeping our roads safe. This means being aware of your own actions and showing consideration for others on the road.

In Tasmania last year, vulnerable road users – those on foot, bikes or motorbikes – accounted for slightly more than one-third of annual road fatalities. Thirteen of the 36 road deaths involved vulnerable users: eight motorcyclists, four pedestrians and one ATV rider.

In our towns and cities, pedestrians and cyclists represent one in four serious casualties. The stark reality is that those on two wheels or on foot are at a much higher risk of serious injury or death, particularly in collisions with vehicles moving at speeds over 30km/h. The lack of protection for these users during crashes highlights the need for heightened awareness from all road users, particularly drivers.

If you’re driving, stay vigilant. Continuously scan your surroundings, check blind spots, and don’t underestimate the speed of cyclists – especially in slow-moving traffic where cyclists can sometimes be moving faster than cars.

Cyclists, you must ensure you are visible and that your intentions are clear (for example, signalling to change lanes), and be cautious around large vehicles such as buses and trucks which have bigger blind spots.

If you’re riding a motorcycle, stay alert and anticipate the movements of other road users. Always position yourself to be visible, especially around larger vehicles like trucks and buses. Wear the correct safety gear and prepare for all types of conditions when planning a ride.

Pedestrians also need to stay alert, particularly when crossing streets, as distractions can lead to tragic consequences – don’t check your phone when you’re crossing the road. Young children can be unpredictable and special care needs to be taken to ensure their safety around roads.

This summer – and all year round – let’s all make an extra effort to share the road with care and attention. Mutual respect and kindness on the road can create a safer and more pleasant experience for everyone. By working together, we can make every journey safer.

For more information on our road safety campaigns, I encourage you to take a look at the Road Safety Advisory Council’s website or head to the RSAC Facebook page.