ACT Policing and the Justice and Community Safety Directorate (JACS) have launched a joint road safety campaign to focus Canberra drivers on being aware of vulnerable road users.
Officer in Charge of Traffic Operations for ACT Policing, Station Sergeant David Wills said children, pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists did not have the same protection as a car during a collision, and this made them more vulnerable.
He said drivers should always be mindful of sharing the road and take extra care around vulnerable road users.
“Even a minor collision between a car and a vulnerable road user can cause serious injuries, even death,” Station Sergeant Wills said.
“I would urge all road users to be alert on Canberra roads and be mindful of vulnerable road users, including children in and around 40 km/h school zones.”
He said he also wanted to remind drivers to ensure that when they passed a bicycle there was sufficient distance between their vehicle and the bicycle rider.
“Drivers are required to leave at least one metre between the closest part of their vehicle and the closest part of the bicycle rider if the vehicle is travelling at not more than 60 km/h, and at least 1.5m if the vehicle is travelling faster than 60 km/h,” Station Sergeant Wills said.
“The road is there to be shared, and it is important for all road users to obey all road rules and regulations — they are there to ensure everyone’s safety.”
The campaign forms part of the ACT Road Safety Strategy 2011–2020, which prioritises a Vision Zero for accidents on the road.
