Transport for NSW illuminated the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge in yellow at the weekend to mark the start of National Road Safety Week.
Minister for Transport and Roads, Andrew Constance and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole performed the launch ceremony for the week at the Museum of Contemporary Art on Sunday.
Mr Constance said that although the road toll was lower this year, there had been a worrying increase in speeding-related crashes which accounted for half the fatalities between March and October.
“The road toll stands at 269 which is 39 fewer deaths than at the same time last year. While we are doing all we can to prevent crashes on NSW roads, we really need all drivers to take responsibility and drive so others survive,” Mr Constance said.
Mr Toole said that of the 269 road deaths, 167 were on country roads.
“After a tough year, and with summer holidays nearly upon us, I know everyone will be keen to hit the road and head to the bush or coast, but with busier roads, we need to remember every time we get behind the wheel that the choices we make can have fatal consequences,” Mr Toole said.
National Road Safety Week is coordinated by Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH), an organisation launched by Peter Frazer following the loss of his daughter, Sarah, in a crash in February 2012.
This year the launch of National Road Safety Week coincided with the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge will be lit up yellow at night until this Sunday (22 November), with ‘Towards Zero’ and yellow ribbon graphics projected onto the pylons.
