May 23, 2014

National road safety campaign makes its last stop in Wollongong

Staff and students from the University of Wollongong (UOW) will join a nation-wide pledge to drive safely in an effort to prevent the 5.3 deaths that occur on Australia’s roads every day. 

The Australian Road Safety Foundation’s signature life-sized inflatable car will be parked out front the UOW Library on Monday 26 May so staff and students can join thousands of others in Taking the Pledge in the lead up to Fatality Free Friday. 

The Fatality Free Friday campaign has travelled far and wide, raising awareness about road safety along the way. Wollongong is one of the campaign’s final rest stops before Friday 30 May when the Foundation hopes drivers will consciously take care on the roads, contributing to a zero fatality statistic on Friday 30 May. 

Statistically, 5.3 deaths occur on Australia’s road every day. In 2014, until 23 May 2014, 135 people have died on NSW roads, increasing from 118 during the same period in 2013. 

Careless driving, inexperience and fatigue are common causes of road accidents. UOW Wellbeing, an initiative designed to help students stay safe and healthy while also enjoying student life, believes that bringing the Australian Road Safety Foundation campaign on campus to further the message about road safety will benefit the entire community. 

“Coming into the busy time in semester, students may be stressed, tired or easily distracted. Through this initiative, UOW Wellbeing aims to educate students that their behaviours cannot only impact their own wellbeing but also the wellbeing of others. These also highlight the importance of making informed decisions with regards to getting behind the wheel,” Naomi Reid, UOW Wellbeing Centre Coordinator, said. 

UOW Wellbeing, which this year is focusing on educating students about the influence and consequences of drug and alcohol consumption, has also organised for an RBT trailer to be parked at the UniBar on Wednesday 4 June, so students can test their blood alcohol levels after celebrating the end of session.