ACT Policing is calling on Canberra drivers to adopt a pledge to ‘drive so others survive’ for National Road Safety Week this week (16 to 22 May).
Detective Acting Inspector of ACT Road Policing, Paul Hutcheson said the police would show their commitment to the pledge by focusing on enforcing the new 40km/h speed limits for passing stationary emergency vehicles.
A/Inspector Hutcheson said drivers in the ACT were required to slow down to 40km/h when passing emergency services vehicles that had their emergency lights on.
“Many ACT road fatalities require a joint response from police, ambulance and fire officers,” A/Inspector Hutcheson said.
“These events are preventable and can drastically alter the course of your life, or someone else’s,” he said.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentleman echoed the call for drivers to slow down to protect emergency services workers.
“Our emergency services personnel from ACT Ambulance, ACT Fire & Rescue and ACT Policing respond to an array of incidents on our roads – some of which are critical,” Mr Gentlemen said.
“It’s common to feel concerned when you see an emergency vehicle responding to an incident, but the best thing you can do is slow down,” he said.
“And all road users should take care on the roads, stay alert and drive to the conditions.”
Minister for Transport and City Services, Chris Steel said National Road Safety Week served as an important reminder that road safety was everyone’s responsibility.
“Driving so others survive means sticking to the speed limit, driving to the conditions and leaving your phone alone,” Mr Steel said.
