The first road safety advertising campaign being rolled out under the auspices of the South Australia Police (SAPOL) will be aimed at regional road users.
In the wake of the Motor Accident Commission being disbanded, SAPOL has absorbed the former agency's media and marketing roles.
Ensuring a continuation of road safety messages, the 'Think About Who You'll Leave Behind' is being rolled out across the state – with a particular focus on regional locations.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Tom Osborn said the campaign would be highly visible across the regional banner network of nearly 60 billboard state-wide.
It will also feature advertising on metropolitan TV networks along with both regional TV and radio spots.
"This campaign, which will also see digital advertising which started yesterday (Monday 1 July), is of significance given that about 60 per cent of this year's fatalities have been on regional roads," Assistant Commissioner Osborn said.
"We are keen to address the misapprehension that crashes on country roads involve people unfamiliar with the area – unfortunately all too often these involve local people on local roads.
"Any death or serious injury is devastating for a community," he said. "None more so than in country towns."
This campaign was first seen by the South Australian public in 2018, but its important message – asking people to consider who they would leave behind – is a heartfelt plea to the South Australian community to consider their behaviour on the roads.
"Road safety is everyone's responsibility and while this is just one of our road safety messages, it clearly reflects SAPOL's intent to continue to be a strong voice in this area," he said.
"Campaigns will continue to roll out in a seamless fashion in 2019 as we encourage the community to play their part in road safety."
Photograph: Billboard being installed near Gawler.
