Travel Safely through our Southern Forests region
MEDIA RELEASE - Safe driving tips take off
November 2016
A Civic Reception was held today to officially launch the 'Travel Safely through our Southern Forests Region' safe driving tips, which have been translated into eight different languages in an effort to keep travellers safe on local roads, and beyond.
The safe driving tips contain valuable advice on conditions for people to be aware of including narrow roads, debris on roads, rough edges & loose gravel, winding roads, wildlife & farm animals, water & heavy rain, mobile phone coverage, fatigue, roads with no speed signs, undivided roads, roads in poor condition, poorly maintained vehicles and poor visibility. The tips are available in English as well as Dutch, Chinese, Estonian, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Korean.
The safe driving tips were originally publicised in 2015 to coincide with the spring/summer 'busy period' for local agricultural businesses who commonly employ backpackers. Shire President Wade DeCampo explained that the feedback received has been overwhelmingly positive, both locally and from neighbouring Local Government Areas. "The launch was held to raise awareness of this valuable resource and to spread the safety message further afield - we can all do our little bit to help people who may not be accustomed to driving on country roads and in turn, save lives."
The Road Safety Commission of Western Australia are also supportive of the initiative and have provided 100 sun protection steering wheel covers that say 'Drive on left in Australia' which were developed as a part of the 'Toward Zero' campaign, funded by the speed and red light camera project. "We had two special guests from the Road Safety Commission join us for the launch, which demonstrates that what we're dealing with is a State issue and that we all need to band together to keep our roads safe," said Cr DeCampo.
The concept for the safe driving tips was developed by Newton Orchards as a component of their induction pack for new employees and adapted by the Shire of Manjimup for translation and publication. Cr DeCampo added that the Shire plans on continuing to build on the suite of tips that are available, saying "if anybody has international employees or visitors who speak a language that isn't currently available, please let us know so that we can include it."
The Shire of Manjimup 'Travel safely through our Southern Forests Region' safe driving tips are available via www.manjimup.wa.gov.au/safedrivingtips and the Road Safety Commission provides valuable hints on how to stay safe on the road via www.rsc.wa.gov.au .
-ENDS-
Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer
Contact Gina Nieuwendyk, Coordinator Communication and Executive Support
Contact: 9771 7777
Contact for comment: Wade DeCampo, Shire President
Contact: 0427 094 081
