With getting behind the wheel of a vehicle considered to be one of the most dangerous forms of transportation, the Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF) is urging Katherine drivers to take it slow.
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Ahead of the 15th annual Fatality Free Friday initiative, figures unearthed by the ARSF reveal 57 per cent of NT drivers admit to breaking a road rule, with almost a third doing so at least once a fortnight.
Findings also declare that speeding is by far the most common road rule broken (43%), followed by jaywalking (29%) and driving under the influence of drugs (14%).
Meanwhile, reasons for undertaking potentially life-threatening behaviours, one third of drivers said it was due to inattention (29%), followed by the belief that it was safe to do so (29%).
ARSF founder and CEO Russell White said there is a greater need for further education around driver safety and the effects caused by dangerous behaviour.
"Tragically, 1,108 people lost their lives on Australian roads last year. The research shows that a frightening 84 per cent of road users falsely believe that drivers make up the majority of the road toll, when in actual fact more than half are passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists," Mr White said.
"Individuals have a responsibility to make the right choices when using the roads and it is imperative they understand the devastating consequences their choices can have not just on other road users, but on the wider community.
"The impact of road trauma is far-reaching and does not discriminate. Road users need to understand the impact on families, friends, schools, workplaces, first responders and emergency services."
Post-COVID, one in 10 Northern Territory drivers are more likely to do longer road trips than fly this year, with 57 per cent of NT drivers going long distances since restrictions were eased.
The ARSF is calling on NT individuals, including the Katherine community to #ChooseRoadSafety and demonstrate their commitment to reducing the road toll by taking the Fatality Free Friday pledge.
Taking the pledge means promising to always be fit to drive, stay focused on the road, scan the road ahead, keep a safe distance, and to drive in a way that suits the conditions.
To take the pledge, visit https://arsf.com.au/take-the-pledge/.
Fatality Free Friday will be on Friday, May 28, 2021.
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