Transport operators are being encouraged to take part in Road Safety Week and join hundreds of communities, schools and organisations running activities to raise awareness of road safety issues.
Road Safety Week, held 20 – 26 May 2024, is coordinated by road safety charity Brake and sponsored by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and Beca. The theme of the week is ‘Be a road safety hero’, recognising all those who are working to make roads safer for everyone – from designing safer roads to caring for people after a crash – and highlighting the part we can all play in making roads safer.
Brake is encouraging companies to go to www.roadsafetyweek.org.nz/organisations for ideas on taking part, and to sign up for a free electronic action pack to help them raise awareness and promote safer road use to staff, contractors, customers and the wider community. This will include downloadable resources and activity ideas, advice, and case studies showing how other organisations have got involved in previous years.
A free webinar for organisations will provide details on taking part in Road Safety Week, ideas for getting involved, and information about how other organisations have previously participated.
Details are:
Spotlight on… Road Safety Week
Thursday 11 April
2pm – 2.30pm NZST
FREE to attend.
Sign up at: globalfleetchampions.org/events/spotlight-on-road-safety-week-nz-2/
For people who can’t attend the session, a recording will be provided, simply sign up for the session to receive the link.
Road Safety Week has been engaging organisations in road safety for over ten years and is a great opportunity for employers, especially those with staff who drive for work, to develop and promote safe travel internally, raise awareness in their local community and link with other organisations to run road safety campaigns.
“We believe it’s everyone’s human right to be able to get around in a safe and healthy way every day,” said Caroline Perry, NZ director at Brake. Director.
“There are lots of people who work to make our roads safer, to save lives when crashes happen, and to support those affected by crashes, so this Road Safety Week we want to recognise all these Road Safety Heroes and highlight how everyone can be a hero too,” she said.
“Employers can really take the lead on safe and healthy journeys and help get these vital messages out to drivers, families, and the wider community, making a big difference to their local area. I would encourage anyone who hasn’t already registered to sign up now for their free action pack.”
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi senior manager road safety, Fabian Marsh, said it is particularly people in the frontline ensuring our road safety that deserve to be recognised.
“Road safety heroes come from all walks of life. During Road Safety Week, it’s important we acknowledge the efforts of everyone who plays a role in improving road safety, especially emergency first responders and maintenance crews, who are all critical with helping keep our roads safe every day of the year.”
Celebrate your Road Safety Heroes
There are ways you can highlight your own Road Safety Heroes locally during Road Safety Week, and ideas are included in the action pack.
Heroes will also be celebrated nationally throughout the week. Brake is a member of the Yellow Ribbon Road Safety Alliance, a group of organisations working to raise awareness of road safety. The Alliance will be presenting the annual Road Safety Hero Award during Road Safety Week, and Brake will also be highlighting the important work of a range of people working to make our roads safer.
