On the Road Towards Zero

Stay safe this long weekend!

Double demerits will be in force from 29 September to 2 October 2023 to help keep everyone safe. Whether you’re staying local, heading away on a road trip or travelling to the Koori Knockout remember:

• Stay under the speed limit. Download the Speed Advisor app to help you
• Know the rules for mobile phone useWear an approved helmet when riding
• Always wear your seatbelt correctly
• Have a Plan B if you are drinking
• Avoid driving tired, take regular breaks and share the driving when you can

Motorcycle Awareness Month 2023

Every October Transport supports Motorcycle Awareness Month, an initiative of the Motorcycle Council of NSW.

We know that motorcyclists are some of our most vulnerable road users. On average, 57 motorcyclists are killed and 1042 are seriously injured on NSW roads every year. In 2023, we’ve already lost 32 motorcyclists on our roads. We’re determined to continue our work to ensure their safety, and the safety of all road users.

We have several programs to support motorcycle riders and their passengers (pillions). Our Motorcycle Clothing Assessment Program (MotoCAP) tests motorcycle clothing such as boots, jackets, gloves, and pants. The clothing is then given a star rating for breathability and safety, so riders can choose gear that’s both safe and comfortable.

Our Consumer Rating Assessment of Safety Helmets (CRASH) program is similar, but tests motorcycle helmets so riders are comfortable during long rides and less likely to be injured if a crash happens.

Remember, even if you aren’t a rider, it’s still important to keep an eye out for motorcyclists by checking your blind spots and giving them space.

GET INVOLVED

• Follow and share posts on the NSW Road Safety page throughout October.
• Check out our MotoCAP and CRASH programs and encourage motorcycle riders in your lives to choose the safest gear for their ride.
• Read about how to stay safe on NSW roads as a motorcyclist and as a driver.

Scoring goals in road safety

Our sport partnerships are one way we connect with communities to prioritise road safety and highlight that crashes can be prevented and lives saved by making safer choices.

In August, over 40 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys were part of the road safety session. Errol Gulden from the Sydney Swans joined the program as an ambassador, playing an active role in promoting the importance of road safety. For over a decade the program has provided an opportunity to engage youth in road safety awareness through footy and leadership principles.

To kick off these school holidays, the next group of future sporting champions attended the Indigenous Youth Leadership Camp from Monday to Wednesday this week.

Read more here.

On 5 and 6 of August, the Riverina Murray Towards Zero AFL Road Safety round was held. Over 3,000 footballers, netballers and umpires across the region supported the initiative by wearing Towards Zero socks. Community members visited information stalls to discuss road safety, AFL NSW/ACT and clubs supported the initiative via social media and displaying banners encouraging safer road behaviour.

Did you know around 65% of fatalities on NSW roads happen on country roads?

Throughout September we supported Rural Road Safety Month campaign. The Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF) national Rural Road Safety Month with a social media campaign. The community-based road safety initiative highlights the additional risks faced when travelling on country roads such as different road conditions, high speeds, bad weather and wildlife. It encourages people to take personal responsibility and action through this years’ theme ‘be the change you want to see on the road’.

• Follow and share your posts on the Road Safety Facebook page
• Check out our Road Safety in Your Workplace resources and start a conversation with your colleagues about road safety.
• Make a promise to choose road safety and be a safer, better road user.
• Read more about safe country driving here.

Think you know a thing or two about rural road safety? Put yourself to the test with our Rural Road Safety Month quiz.

Take the Quiz NOW

‘Tow’-tally safe caravanning

A safe caravan towing and loading education stall was held by Transport at the Newcastle Outdoor Adventure expo. Towing demonstrations drew crowds and a caravan safety quiz encouraged some friendly competition amongst family members.

‘Snowing’ how to stay safe

Transport teamed up with Jindabyne Visitor Information Centre, PARC Café and Perisher Resort on 19 and 20 August to talk to motorists about staying safe on the roads in the Alpine area. The event focused on key tips to stay safe when travelling through the area including driving to the conditions, managing fatigue, drink and drug driving and sharing the road.

Older driver workshops

In August, over 85 older people attended three ‘On the Road 65Plus’ workshops in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie LGAs. The workshops provide valuable education and meaningful conversations around staying safe as an older driver, including driver licensing, transitioning to retiring from driving and misunderstood road rules.

Find resources here: On the road 65Plus | Transport for NSW

Mundi Mundi Bash

In August, the Mundi Mundi Bash music festival attracted over 12,000 people. The community connected with Transport and NSW Police around caravan safety, fatigue and travelling on country roads.

Tamworth Young Drivers Expo

Since 1977, the Tamworth Young Drivers Expo has been highlighting road safety at a local level, utilising local resources, and engaging young drivers. The Expo started as a community response to an alarming rise of road trauma among young drivers in the North Region.

The Expo is a collaboration of several government agencies including Transport, NSW Police Service, NSW Ambulance Service, Department of Education and Training, Hunter New England Area Health, and Tamworth Regional Council.

This year we held workshops focused on:

• distractions
• mobile phone use
• seatbelt use
• Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) safety ratings.

Over 1200 students from schools across the New England attended the expo over 4 days in August.

Clic here for more information