An Easter blessing for road safety

Promoted by the WA Local Government Association’s RoadWise program, the event promotes greater safety for motorists, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians during the traditionally busy Easter holidays.

The ceremony was held at one of the City’s busiest intersections, Wanneroo Road and Joondalup Drive.

The WA Police Chaplain Joe Newbold prayed for the safety of all road users and for the emergency services staff who often deal with road trauma during this time.

Special guest speaker and WA Local Hero Stacy Dunbar shared a very touching and personal message about road safety and the dangers of drink driving.

Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts urged all road users to take care over the holiday period and keep our roads accident free.

“Everyone who uses our roads needs to be responsible and play their own part in improving road safety,” Mayor Roberts said.

“We all need to take care, keep within the speed limits, wear seatbelts, don’t use mobile phones and don’t drink and drive.”

Representatives from WA Police and Fire and Emergency Services attended the event, promoting the importance of the Easter road safety campaign. Students from local schools also played a part, placing white crosses in the ground, symbolising the lives lost on our roads in the past year.

During the event, Mayor Roberts, on behalf of the City of Wanneroo RoadWise Working Group, presented a number of community members with Human Spirit Awards.  The awards acknowledge the outstanding efforts of people who strive to keep others safe on the roads, and were presented to the following people:

Nicola Peries for her work in safety initiatives around the Landsdale area, namely the Kiss and Drive and the safety of parking around the school. Nicola is an active member of the City's RoadWise Working Group.

Christine Nelson has worked hard with the Banksia Grove Residents Association in bringing to the attention of the City, all aspects of road safety for the schools and residents of Banksia Grove for many years.

Mayor Roberts also encouraged drivers to take regular breaks when on trips.

“Fatigue is a silent killer on WA roads so drivers need to ensure they are not driving while tired, and if you are on a long trip, make sure you stop regularly,” she said.

The City of Wanneroo Roadwise Driver Reviver van will be offering motorists the chance to take a break during long journeys this Easter long weekend.
                   
The van will be stationed on Indian Ocean Drive, north of Breakwater Drive on Easter Monday.