Even though school holidays are yet to arrive, it is no reason to become complacent on the roads as you set off on your Easter break.

That’s the reminder from the WA Local Government Association together with Local Governments, RoadWise Committees and other road safety groups in the lead up to local Blessing of the Roads events this year.

An initiative of WALGA’s RoadWise program, the Blessing of the Roads campaign provides the opportunity to promote road safety during this busy time of year to prevent road trauma.

WALGA President Cr Lynne Craigie said the campaign encourages road users to be responsible for their own actions and help local communities raise awareness of road safety in the lead up to Easter.

“Achieving road safety objectives is about shared responsibility - road managers, agencies and road users all playing their part to create a safe road system,” Cr Craigie said.

“Local Governments work toward creating a safer road environment and individuals are responsible for their own actions when using the roads.

“Through the Blessing of the Roads campaign we are calling on everyone to contribute where they can for a death and injury free Easter period,” she said.

“As we head into the Easter long weekend, remember to:

·         plan ahead if drinking - arrange a skipper, take public transport or stay overnight,

·         travel at a safe speed by driving to the conditions of the road,

·         buckle up when travelling in a vehicle,

·         take a break or swap drivers to prevent fatigue, and

·         turn off your mobile phone before driving.”

“The Blessing of the Roads campaign gives us the opportunity to promote the importance of road safety to all, by spreading the campaign’s messages at events, displays and to family, friends and colleagues.” Cr Craigie said.

Local Governments, emergency services and other members of the community road safety network have joined forces to organise formal Blessing of the Road events, ceremonies and other local activities to promote campaign messages in their community.

 

Details of some upcoming Blessing of the Roads events are provided below:
 
Organisation Location Date Time
 Shire of Katanning  All Ages Playground, Katanning  Wed 23 March  5.30pm
 Shire of Bruce Rock  At the slip road outside
Amphitheatre, Bruce Rock
 Wed 23 March  3.30pm
 Shire of Victoria Plains  Adjacent to the Benedictine
Community Church, Great
Northern Highway
 Thurs 24 March  10.00am
Shire of Carnarvon St Mary's School Thur 31 March 1.45pm

For more information about Blessing of the Roads or to download available resources, visit the RoadWise website; www.roadwise.asn.au/blessing-of-the-roads.aspx.