NATIONAL Road Safety Week is a campaign created to focus on how we drive and if our driving may cause harm to others on the road.

Last year, over 7,500 people were moderately to severely injured and hundreds killed on NSW roads.

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Also in 2021 some ten percent of crashes in our Coffs Harbour LGA were attributed to fatigue and 27 percent to speeding – higher than the state average.

Traffic injury is the biggest killer of children under fifteen and the second biggest killer of all Australians aged between fifteen and 24.

All last week and open until this Sunday 22 May, people can visit the Sunflower Garden created at North Coast Regional Botanic Garden in Coffs as a place to reflect on lives lost or changed on our roads.

Visitors to the garden can take a yellow ribbon and make a pledge, mindful of the campaign’s motto – Drive So Others Survive.

The sad fact is that young lives are continuing to be lost on our roads.

Acting Inspector Jarrod Langan, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command said, “There are restrictions for novice drivers on our roads that are in place to protect our young drivers.

“All of these mean nothing if young drivers do not drive responsibly and to the conditions.

“To lose the life of a young person on our roads when it’s due to a poor decision is so devastating for family, friends and those that have to respond.

“This week we not only remember those who have lost their lives, but also reinforce the message that the actions you take whilst driving can have a detrimental effect on people’s lives.

“I urge all drivers to take care, don’t drive whilst being distracted, abide by the road rules and don’t let alcohol and drugs mix with your driving,” he said.

Chief Inspector Brendan Gorman, Coffs/Clarence PD said, “This week we remember those who have lost their lives on the roads.

“We also take time to think of the actions that we can all take to prevent the further loss of life on our roads.

“Every loss of life has a ripple effect across our community, including the devastating effect of the loss of life on first aiders, emergency services and regional communities.

“Everyone has a responsibility to ensure that those we love and others on the roads can travel and return home safely.

“I implore all users of the road to slow down, stay alert and drive so everyone survives.”

Look out for information on Fatality Free Friday which is on Friday 27 May.

This is a national campaign.

“We encourage any individual, group or school to get involved during May or on Fatality Free Friday,” Donna Caley from The Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF) told News Of The Area.

“Go to www.arsf.com.au and select the Get Involved page for ways to participate.”

By Andrea FERRARI