Choose road safety for Fatality Free Friday 2020
An initiative of the Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF), Fatality Free Friday is an annual campaign which encourages the support and commitment of Australian drivers to actively reduce the road toll through safe driving behaviours.
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Fatality Free Friday (FFF) 2020 may look a little different due to COVID-19 restrictions, but the message remains the same; make the commitment to #ChooseRoadSafety and protect yourself, your friends, family and local community on the roads.
An initiative of the Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF), FFF is an annual campaign which encourages the support and commitment of Australian drivers to actively reduce the road toll through safe driving behaviours.
Unfortunately, research released by the ARSF this month revealed risky drivers have increased during COVID-19 lockdowns, with one in four Australians admitting to taking additional road risks while lockdowns were in place[1].
Suncorp’s Insurance CEO, Gary Dransfield, said there is no excuse for taking risks on the road, and encouraged Australians to take the pledge for FFF, and drive safe.
“We see first-hand the devastating effects motor collisions have on people’s lives, and that is why we are proud to once again be working with the Australian Road Safety Foundation and the Fatality Free Friday initiative,” Mr Dransfield said.
We see first-hand the devastating effects motor collisions have on people’s lives, and that is why we are proud to once again be working with the Australian Road Safety Foundation and the Fatality Free Friday initiative.
Gary Dransfield, Suncorp Insurance CEO
“Our claims research shows approximately 30% of accidents causing injuries occur in the driver’s own postcode[2] - proving even a short trip to the shops can be disastrous so drivers must not become complacent.”
Shockingly, ARSF’s research also showed only seven per cent of drivers think about the safety of other road users when behind the wheel.
In addition, four in five Australians admitted to breaking the law on the road, with the most common excuses including not paying attention (39%), a brief lapse in judgement (30%), or simply believing it was ‘safe’ to do so (20%).
ARSF founder and CEO Russell White encouraged Australians to remain vigilant, follow the road rules and heed the FFF message.
“As we start to return to a sense of normality, the number of vehicles on our roads will continue to climb and we cannot afford to become complacent,” Mr White said.
“For every road death, another 35 Australians are hospitalised. Road trauma is tragic, but it is also largely preventable.
“The stark reality is that every time you make a dangerous decision behind the wheel, you are putting the lives of every motorist, passenger, cyclist and pedestrian around you at risk.”
Road users can take the Fatality Free Friday pledge online at arsf.com.au/take-the-pledge-fff/.
[1] Research conducted by Pure Profile on behalf of the Australian Road Safety Foundation, April 2020, n=1,005 nationally representative by gender, age and location of Australian drivers aged 18 years and over.
[2] Suncorp Group Queensland motor accident claims data 2015 – 2019, as at 31 March 2020.
