First Nations Elders and NRMA deliver vital rural road safety campaign
As Rural Road Safety Month rolls around, the NRMA, with support from the NSW Government, is releasing an awareness campaign in an effort to reduce country road fatalities and crashes.
According to the vehicle service provider, New South Wales’ road toll for 2024 has reached 223, with more than 60% of these accidents occurring outside Sydney.
So, to combat this, the NRMA has enlisted the help of First Nations Elders to star in its campaign. The platform leverages a one-minute, three-second film with Gomeroi Country’s Uncle Mathrew Priestley, Yuin Country’s Uncle Noel Butler, and Kamilaroy Country’s Aunty Paula Duncan Munroe advising viewers on how they can safely drive on Australia’s back roads.
The Elders’ advice includes performing actions such as slowing down, wearing seatbelts in the correct way, taking rest breaks, acclimating driving practices to suit the conditions, and keeping an eye out for wildlife in the mornings and evenings.
“For over 100 years the NRMA has been a trusted voice on road safety, and we continue to look for innovative and engaging ways to advocate for greater road safety outcomes for motorists, particularly those who are living in rural and regional areas,”, NRMA’s chief membership officer, Victoria Doidge, said.
“Our rural and regional communities are the backbone of our country, and deserve to have the same road safety conditions of those who live in metropolitan areas.
“We want to ensure that people continue to travel to the regions, and can get to their destination safely.
“Unfortunately this year we have seen the road toll continue to increase, particularly across rural NSW. Every life lost is a tragedy and we must do everything we can to ensure motorists make it home safely to their loved ones.”
Jenny Aitchison, the minister for regional transport and roads, added: “The long distances often travelled on rural roads mean there really is no room for complacency when drivers get behind the wheel.
“I would urge drivers to take regular breaks, don’t drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, obey speed limits, follow the advisory signs, be alert to wildlife and drive to the conditions, and always wear a seatbelt.
“And, whether you’re a local or a visitor, please take extra care while driving through rural or regional areas. By making safer choices, we can help everyone get home safe.”
Rural Road Safety Month will play out across September.
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Matthew is the editorial assistant at Mumbrella. He joined the company at the end of September 2023.
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Aunty Paula Duncan Munroe
Jenny Aitchison
NRMA
NSW Government
Rural Road Safety Month
Uncle Mathrew Priestley
Uncle Noel Butler
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