Families and communities urged to get involved in Road Safety Week 2016

Families and community groups are being encouraged to sign up and get involved in Road Safety Week 2016 (16-22 May), to help make our communities safer. The road safety charity Brake, which coordinates the event, is encouraging parents and community leaders to go to www.roadsafetyweek.org.nz to get ideas on promoting safer road use and to register for a free e-action pack.

Road Safety Week, now in its 5th year, is coordinated with the support of headline sponsor QBE Insurance. It's an ideal opportunity for community groups, families, schools and companies to take action on local road safety issues, and run activities and campaigns to promote safe road use and prevent needless casualties.

Parents and budding community road safety champions can find ideas on getting involved and register by going to www.roadsafetyweek.org.nz. Everyone who registers will be sent a free email action pack with downloadable road safety posters, plus tips, advice and case studies to help plan successful activities for the Week.

The theme that Brake will be promoting during the Week is Step up for road safety. The theme focuses what we as individuals, and as organisations or communities, can do to help prevent deaths and injuries on roads. Brake will be calling on drivers to step up and be 'a road safety hero' every time they get behind the wheel, and on all road users to play their part in making our roads safer.

Brake will be focusing on the key messages of the Brake Pledge, including speed, drink and drug driving, seat belts, distractions and fatigue.

Groups and families can choose to run their initiative on this theme or any other road safety topic, according to their priorities.

Caroline Perry, Brake's NZ Director says: "Road safety is a critical issue for all families and communities, and we're calling on parents and community leaders to play their part in making roads safer. Road Safety Week is a perfect opportunity to take action on local road safety issues, by campaigning, raising awareness and making a difference by reminding drivers of key messages like slowing down in communities, staying sober if driving, and keeping all their attention on the road when they're at the wheel. We'll be calling on drivers to be a road safety hero and step up for road safety by committing to do everything they can when they're at the wheel to keep themselves and others safe. Communities and families play a key role in helping to reinforce this message.

"The Road Safety Week website is full of ideas: log on now to register for your e-action pack and start planning how you'll get involved in this life-saving, awareness-raising event."