THE Government is urging Mallee drivers to drive safe this festive season so nobody misses Christmas with their loved ones.
Now that travel has made its long-awaited return, many will be on the road as they head off to see family and friends over the Christmas weekend.
But whether you are heading out on holiday or staying home, the government wants everyone to take road safety seriously this silly season.
Member for Mallee Anne Webster said the best holidays are those where everyone stays safe and well.
“With lockdowns and restrictions only recently easing, this means we expect more people to be on our roads than we’ve seen in a while, especially those embarking on long journeys or even going interstate,” she said.
“It means more children, pedestrians and cyclists on our roads, especially at holidays destinations.
“That makes it even more vital for us all to take road safety and our role in promoting it seriously.”
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said these holidays were the first chance for many Australians to reconnect with their family and friends.
He said it was on all of us to promote road safety and ensure no one is missing out on the chance to reunite.
“One injury, one death is too many – no family should have to endure the loss of a loved one on our roads,” he said.
Assistant minister for road safety and freight transport Scott Buchholz said the most important thing these holidays is everyone arriving safely to and from their destinations.
“Whether it’s a short trip to the local beach, an interstate roady to one of our sunny coasts, or one of our truckies pulling a long haul to deliver last-minute presents or fresh produce for Christmas lunches, each trip matters and every one of us deserves to make it back, safe and sound,” he said.
“That’s why our government continues to ramp up its road safety commitments, as part of our broader ambition to achieve Vision Zero – that is no deaths or injuries occurring on Australian roads by 2050.”
