Safety alliance backs safe message

The Industry Road Safety Alliance South West yesterday added its voice to those calling for safety on the region’s roads this festive season.

The alliance, which is made up of industry, local and State government representatives from Bunbury, Collie, Pinjarra and Boddington, held an official relaunch event yesterday.

It includes local businesses, Collie and Harvey shire councils, the Road Safety Commission and police, among other organisations.

Prompted by the State’s already “alarming” regional road toll for 2016, the alliance will lobby the State Government to expand the Regional Run-Off Road Crashes Program.

As of the 2014-15 financial year the alliance funded treatments such as audible edge lining, shoulder widening, barriers and clearing across nearly 1000km of “high-risk” roads.

Alliance chairman Simon Dent said the onus was also on individual road users this Christmas.

“The responsibility lies with all of us to ensure we do our piece to reduce the road toll,” Mr Dent said.

“And so we can all enjoy Christmas this year.

“However, history tells us not everyone does do the right thing and there are certain things out of our hands that we need a little help with.”

He said the alliance would be advocating for the State Government to extend the program to include more regional roads.

“We’ll use our influence to make a change and hopefully get that funding,” he said.

In the meantime, Mr Dent said the message the alliance was pushing year-round was even more important during the holiday season.

“People need to ensure they do everything to have a safe and happy Christmas celebration and holiday,” he said.

“Keep your loved ones and yourself safe.

“It’s the same message all year — they’re oldies, but goodies.”