Road safety reminder
MEDIA RELEASE - Road safety reminder
March 2015
Following a recent spate of traffic accidents on local roads, particularly with international travelers, Shire President Wade DeCampo is urging everybody in the community to go 'back to basics' and brush up on their road rules.
"As we all know, our region relies heavily on the itinerant workforce, or backpackers as they're more commonly known, particularly in the agriculture industry," said Cr DeCampo. "Unfortunately, these international visitors are often driving in markedly different conditions to what they are used to."
Currently, visitors to Western Australia may drive only those vehicles that they are authorised to drive on their overseas licence, for as long as that licence remains valid in the country of issue. (Source: http://www.transport.wa.gov.au)
"So many things are different on WA roads, particularly in the country. It's not just the side of the road that we drive on, it's the speed zones, road signs, and different conditions, that could potentially be very daunting for people who haven't been driving in this country for very long," Cr DeCampo said.
As at 8 March 2015 the current WA road toll was 31, with 18 of those fatalities being on country roads. (Source: http://www.ors.wa.gov.au/Statistics)
Cr DeCampo believes that it is incumbent on the whole community to play a part in keeping the roads safe, saying "we can't forget that the English language may be their second language and often they are unable to read English very well. They may also be from countries where higher speeds are accepted."
"Anybody who has regular contact with members of the itinerant workforce - be that accommodation providers, employers or friends - has an inherent duty of care in assisting them with learning the road rules, and ensuring them that our roads are safe when these road rules are abided by," said Cr DeCampo.
The Shire of Manjimup is facilitating the collection of donations, and Stewart Ipsen will be coordinating the distribution of funds collected, which will go towards assisting the families of those in the car accident on Channybearup road on Saturday 7 March. Donations can be made into the Shire of Manjimup Trust Account, BSB 036 126 Account No 830 418 with reference ITA070315, or by visiting the Shire of Manjimup Administration Office.
-ENDS-
Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, Shire of Manjimup.
Contact: 9771 7777
Contact for comment: Wade DeCampo, Shire President.
Contact: 0427 094 081
Contact Gina Nieuwendyk, Public Relations Officer, Shire of Manjimup
Contact: 9771 7777
