Page 4871 - Week 15 - Wednesday, 14 December 2005
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increased burden on poorer countries attempting to tackle poverty and raise levels of economic growth.
In 2004 the World Health Organisation recognised the urgent need to reduce deaths and injuries on our roads and raise global awareness about road safety. In 2004, for the first time since World Health Day commenced in 1950, the day was dedicated to road safety. World Health Day attempts to involve a wide range of people at local, national and international levels. The 2004 World Health Day slogan “Road safety is no accident” highlighted the fact that road safety does not happen accidentally but requires a deliberate effort by governments and their many partners.
Based on current trends, annual road traffic deaths and injuries in high income countries such as Australia may decrease by up to 30 per cent by 2020. These projected decreases will be due to the substantial efforts these countries have made and will continue to make to improve road safety. However, these efforts need to be implemented throughout all countries in the world. More has to be done on a global level. At both the local and national levels much is being done to improve road safety and reduce fatalities and casualties. Not only does the ACT government consider road safety a top priority but so too do all Australian state and territory governments. The federal government could always provide more funding to improve road infrastructure and upgrade black spot areas, but it too has recognised the importance of promoting safe road use practices. I have no doubt that it considers road safety to be an important issue.
The ACT government has demonstrated its commitment to road safety through the development and implementation of its road safety strategy and action plans and its participation in the development of the national road safety strategy 2001-10. Adopted by the Australian Transport Council in November 2000, the national road safety strategy came into effect in January 2001 and was developed by all Australian jurisdictions. The target of the strategy is to reduce the annual number of deaths per 100,000 people by 40 per cent from 9.3 in 1999 to no more than 5.6 in 2010. Achieving this target will save an estimated 3,500 lives by 2010, reducing annual road deaths by approximately 700.
Since the implementation of the road safety strategy the annual road fatality rate in Australia has decreased, but more needs to be done to increase driver awareness and responsibility before the target can be reached. Making our roads safer for all users and keeping them safe is a responsibility that needs to be shared by all in our society. The government, the police, vehicle manufacturers and the community all have important roles to play in improving road safety levels on our roads. But there is only so much they can do as, ultimately, the greatest responsibility lies with the individual.
Motorists everywhere must take responsibility for driving safely within their own capabilities and according to the prevailing road conditions. Unfortunately, too many motorists still have not accepted this responsibility and continue to endanger their lives and the lives of other road users by their irresponsible actions. A significant number of motorists still speed, drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, do not wear seatbelts, or just do not pay enough attention while driving. In Australia alcohol remains one of the highest single causes of road deaths and injuries.
Research has consistently shown that driving performance skills such as concentration, divided attention and reaction time are impaired at blood alcohol concentration levels of
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