The NSW Government is appealing for drivers in regional NSW to take extra care this Rural Road Safety Month, as a confronting new video is released, showing the tragic impacts of a horror crash near Dubbo.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said he hoped the video would remind everyone to take road safety seriously – and that the decisions people make behind the wheel can have fatal consequences.
“The video shows the aftermath of a seven vehicle crash at road works on the Newell Highway, north of Dubbo in January 2018, where two young people – 21-year-old Reagan Skinner and 19 year old Hannah Ferguson, tragically lost their lives,” Mr Toole said.
“It also includes interviews with workers who witnessed the crash and a NSW Police Officer who was one of the first responders. Their stories drive home how one moment can change the lives of so many in an instant.”
So far this year, 184 people have died on NSW roads – 127 of those on country roads.
“This is why the NSW Government is investing $640 million over four years as part of the Saving Lives on Country Roads Initiative, to upgrade roads throughout regional NSW,” Mr Toole said.
“So far we’ve delivered 183 projects in 2020/21 and work is currently underway on 132 new and continuing road safety infrastructure projects right across the state, including $47.6 million on the New England Highway between Willow Tree and Uralla and $37.5 million on the Olympic Highway.
“This includes safety measures such as installing wide centre lines, life-saving flexible barriers, rumble strips and other safety devices to help prevent run-off-road and head-on crashes on country roads.
“Although COVID-19 means we are seeing fewer people on the roads, now is not the time to be complacent. It’s my hope that this video will remind all road users to think about how their driving behaviour can help keep everyone on the road safe.
“Before you get behind the wheel, stop and think about what you can do to make sure you arrive at your destination safely – slow down, make sure you’re well rested and never drive if affected by drugs or alcohol.”
Rural Road Safety Month is an initiative of the Australian Road Safety Foundation. More information can be found at: https://arsf.com.au/rrsw-home/
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