A heartbreaking representation of three car crash outcomes has been unveiled in Perth’s CBD, driving home the very real consequences of speeding.
RAC's Road of Regret was launched yesterday to signify the start of National Road Safety Week.
The confronting exhibition shows three potential aftermaths of a two-car crash – in the first, a motorist is travelling at the 50km/h speed limit and t-bones another car, resulting in minor injuries.
In the second scenario, the motorist is travelling 10km/h over the limit, and the other driver suffers severe injuries. In the third, the motorist is speeding by 20km/h and the other driver does not survive.
RAC Acting Group Executive Social and Community Impact Will Golsby said speed remained a leading factor in road trauma.
“There are a lot of opinions about speed and speed limits – what this installation shows is how every kilometre counts,” Mr Golsby said.
“We need to change our attitudes towards speed.”
“We know that doing just 10 kilometres over the limit can be the difference between walking away, suffering life-changing injuries, or being killed.”
Sunday marked the start of National Road Safety Week (May 14-21) – an annual initiative to highlight the impact of road trauma in our community and remember the lives lost on our roads.
Peter Frazer, President of Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) said it’s an opportunity for all road users to make a pledge to drive, so others survive.
“National Road Safety Week allows us to focus on those strategies that not only protect the drivers and riders, but most importantly, actively protect all those who are vulnerable on the road ahead,” Mr Frazer said.
“You can publicly show your road safety advocacy by wearing a yellow ribbon, flying one on your car or truck aerial, or displaying a yellow ribbon sticker on the rear of your vehicle.”
In 2022, Western Australia had the highest number of road fatalities since 2016.
“Last year, 175 people didn’t return home to their loved ones – every death on our roads has a devastating and lasting impact on families, friends and the wider community,” Mr Golsby said.
“This week is a call out to all Western Australians to have a conversation about road safety with those they care about and make a commitment to always drive safe.”
RAC’s Road of Regret is open for public viewing and will be at Forrest Chase in Perth CBD until Thursday 18 May, and then at Optus Stadium from Friday 19 May until Sunday 21 May.
RAC has also partnered with the Road Safety Commission to fund over $90,000 in grants for 22 road safety events being held across Western Australian communities during National Road Safety Week.
ENDS
Media contact: Laura Gardiner, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
