As we head into the holiday season, Australians are being reminded that road safety starts with all of us – every single trip, every single time. 

To keep road safety front of mind this summer, the Albanese Government is reactivating its national road safety campaign ‘Don’t let a car change who you are’ over the peak holiday period.

This campaign reminds drivers to think about their own behaviour behind the wheel, and how actions such as impatience, distraction, driver error and speeding while driving can all contribute to deaths and injuries on the road.

This is particularly important during the holiday season when drivers may be tired, rushing to see family or travelling on unfamiliar roads – especially in regional areas.

FIVE TIPS TO BE A SAFE DRIVER THIS SUMMER

1. Drive within the speed limit at all times and to the conditions.
2. Don’t text and drive, avoid talking on a mobile phone while driving unless necessary, pull over if possible.
3. Don’t drink and drive. Driving and alcohol don’t mix. Plan how you will get home before you depart, use taxis or rideshare, be a sober driver or take public transport.
4. Take regular breaks on long journeys. Plan your route, rest, and swap drivers if you can.
5. Make sure your vehicle is road worthy. Check your lights, tyres and oil to make sure your vehicle ready for a road trip.

The Albanese Government has taken a number of actions to improve road safety, including increasing funding local roads, delivering road safety initiatives and improving vehicle standards.

This includes a commitment to double the funding for Roads to Recovery to $1 billion a year, which has seen over 5,780 priority projects approved in the current funding period for councils across the nation, with around 1,430 of these underway and 3,460 completed.

That means more roundabouts and crossings for safer intersections, more potholes and damaged surfaces being fixed, and more road barriers to play a vital role in the case of a crash.

Funding under the Black Spot Program has also been increased to $150 million each year, making critical improvements to some of the most dangerous sections of our road network. On average, 50 per cent of the funding is being directed to addressing dangerous locations on roads in regional Australia.

The $100 million Active Transport Fund is delivering 81 projects across Australia for the design and construction of new and existing bicycle and walking pathways, to improve safety for those walking, wheeling and riding.

Heavy vehicle safety is also important this holiday season, and with an increase in trucks sharing the road with light vehicles, it’s important heavy vehicle operators manage fatigue and rest requirements during the peak holiday period.

The Albanese Government and National Heavy Vehicle Regulator continue to improve safety for everyone on Australia’s roads through programs such as the Heavy Vehicle Safety and the Heavy Vehicle Rest Areas initiatives.

To date, the Albanese Government has invested more than $45 million into 181 industry-led Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative projects since it began in 2016, and has committed $140 million over 10 years to build new heavy vehicle rest areas for truckies and upgrade exisiting ones across the national highway network.

Additionally, the Government's $2.9 billion investment under the Road Safety Program continues to deliver safety improvements across the country, with 1,300 projects delivered under the initial tranches of the program and another 500 projects being delivered through the 2023-27 program, improving the safety of over 3,300 kilometres of Australia’s road network.

Despite ongoing investments, improved vehicle safety standards and new technologies, driver behaviour remains a critical issue in improving safety on our roads.

All drivers, even the most experienced, are urged to consider their driving behaviour and to always drive so that they and others survive.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain MP:

“This holiday period will see more people on our roads travelling far and wide to see friends and family, take a break, and see in the New Year.

"The Government will continue to prioritise road safety and urges motorists to do their part by driving responsibly, so that everyone can enjoy time with family and friends this summer.

“The road safety campaign reminds drivers that even small behaviours on our roads can have a big impact is another reminder that road safety is everyone’s responsibility.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development Senator Anthony Chisholm:

“Whether you’re heading interstate to visit friends and family, driving to a holiday destination or staying a bit closer to home this Christmas, we’re urging everyone to make choices that save lives.

“The Albanese Government is firmly committed to working alongside our transport and heavy vehicle industry to ensure our roads remain safe for everyone.

“This year, we’re reminding drivers that road safety is a shared responsibility, and we’re encouraging everyone to do the right thing every time they get behind the wheel these holidays.”

CAMPAIGN MEDIA PACK - https://communicationsgovau.box.com/s/mhnqzgwl3ceu3vxzsjl1vvyn9xwko03m