DRIVER distraction will be the focus of a new joint initiative between the City of Bunbury RoadWise committee and the Shire of Dardanup RoadWise committee.
This Queen’s birthday long weekend will see the launch of their joint initiative – a first for the two council areas – asking drivers to turn off their mobile phones before driving.
It is a message both committees take very seriously and wish the community to take heed.
Driver distraction played a role in 32 per cent of all road-crash deaths and serious injuries in Western Australia between 2005 and 2007.
The group’s slogan M8 the call can W8 has been made into bumper stickers to warn and remind drivers of the dangers of being a distracted driver.
As well as the bumper stickers, illuminated signs will be erected during October to spread the message to road users.
“Drivers who use their mobile while driving are four times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident causing serious injury,” Bunbury RoadWise Committee chairwoman and councillor Betty McCleary said.
“Text messaging requires visual, manual and cognitive attention from the driver taking their attention away from the road.
“We want to spread the message and ask that drivers turn off their phones before driving.”
The campaign which kicks off on 26 September has the backing of the local police and the Office of Road Safety.