Canberra drivers are being reminded to slow down, put the phone away and drive to the conditions on the Kings Highway this summer.
Minister for Transport Chris Steel today joined with members of the Kings Highway Road Safety Partnership to launch the annual road safety campaign.
"As we lead into the peak summer holiday period, many Canberrans are heading to the coast using roads like the Kings Highway," Minister Steel said.
Canberrans are being urged to make road safety a priority to ensure everyone gets where they they need to go safely.
"Nothing is more important than making it to your destination safely these holidays," said Minister Steel.
"No one wants to cause a serious crash or fatality that could devastate families over Christmas and New Year.
"Drivers should allow extra time to get to their destination and be patient during expected periods of congestion. Reducing speed, maintaining the speed limit and leaving a safe distance with the vehicle in front can reduce risks by giving you more time to react to unexpected circumstances.
"There are sections of the Kings Highway with roadworks, so please slow down to the marked speed limit.
"Use the rest areas along the route to the south coast – to stretch your legs, get some fresh air and take a break."
The Kings Highway Road Safety Partnership is an active program that provides a coordinated approach between enforcement and community education to reduce road trauma on the Kings Highway.
Minister Steel said the ACT Government is committed to ongoing education, awareness, and safety initiatives to keep our local roads safe.
"As we head into the new year, I am pleased to release the ACT's new Road Safety Action Plan 2024-25 to guide our activities over the next two years," said Minister Steel.
"The new Action Plan continues to implement the goals of the ACT Road Safety Strategy 2020-25 and builds on the ACT Road Safety Action Plan 2020-23.
"Under five focus areas that reflect the current road safety challenges we are facing in the ACT, our new Action Plan sets clear expectations and directions for the ACT Government to do everything possible to reduce road trauma as we strive for Vision Zero.
"The Action Plan strengthens a focus on dangerous driving and protecting vulnerable road users and building a shared responsibility for road safety amongst the community.
"A continuing focus area in the new Action Plan includes education and awareness. Over the summer holiday period the ACT Government will roll out community education and awareness campaigns focussed on drink and drug driving, mobile device distraction as well as safe driving on the Kings Highway.
"The campaign will highlight the Government's zero tolerance stand on dangerous and impaired driving and will remind those drivers of the potential penalties they will face.
"Road safety is everyone's responsibility. When we get behind the wheel, we take responsibility for the lives of not just ourselves, but our passengers and other road users.
"Whether you are travelling or staying in Canberra, ensure everyone gets home safely this summer by making road safety your priority."
