Australians urged to take the pledge for a Fatality Free Friday

More Australians than ever are expected to take the pledge to cut the road toll as part of the national 2008 Fatality Free Friday campaign launched this week.

Fatality Free Friday will be held on Friday May 16 with the aim of making that day completely free from road fatalities.

Last year community groups, state and local governments, companies, individuals and even Australia’s V8 Supercar drivers signed the pledge to concentrate on safe driving and road use for the day.

The initiative was awarded a highly commended at the 2007 Queensland Road Safety Awards.

This year, community, government and corporate participation ahead of the Fatality Free Friday launch has been overwhelmingly positive, said Russell White, campaign founder and leading road safety advocate.

“Last year we started with the idea that if we could get people to reflect on their road use for just one day – whether as driver, passenger or pedestrian – we could ensure that no one died on our roads,” he said.

“On average, six people die every day on our roads and the vast majority of those deaths are entirely preventable.

“The grassroots community support we received last year was tremendous. Just as encouraging were the people asking if they could be involved next year too.”

V8 Supercars Australia are once again lending their support to Fatality Free Friday.

“Having the support of the V8 Supercars again this year is fantastic. Their involvement really helps in creating community awareness and provides a greater capacity to promote the event nationally.”

“We’re encouraging everyone to mark Friday, May 16 in their calendar and look at ways they can involve their work places, schools, homes and communities in local and regional activities,” said Russell.

The Fatality Free Friday web site - http://www.fatalityfreefriday.com - has been set up to provide information for adults and children about staying safe on the roads and also encourage people to organise road safety events in their own community.

The web site also contains copies of the pledge for adults, children and companies to print out and sign to show their commitment to the day, as well as guestbook that allows visitors to take the pledge online.

For further information

Russell White

Driver Safety In Motion

Mobile: 0412 532 249

E-mail: info@driversafety.com.au

Jacqui Carling-Rodgers

Business Communications Management

Phone: 5591 8081

Mobile: 0414 282 048

E-mail Jacqui@bcm-online.com.au