The frightening statistic has prompted a response from ermergency services, who want to make today Fatality Free Friday across the nation.

Most road accidents occur on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and Highland residents are being urged to make a pledge to concentrate on safe driving.

Wingecarribee Shire Council staff are taking up the challenge and are encouraging community members to join Bowral and District Hospital, ambulance staff and local police in supporting the 24-hour initiative.

Wingecarribee road safety officer, Charmaine Cooper said if motorists could drive to stay alive for just one day, then perhaps we can start thinking consciously about driving safely every day of the year.

“In Australia, around 1600 people die every year on the roads. A zero road toll for one Friday would, statistically, save five to six lives. It doesn’t sound a lot but, when you consider that six fatal crashes on local roads occurred on a Friday in the last five years, it would be a good start.”

The safety pledge reminds drivers to take extra care on roads, not to speed, slow down in the wet and drive to suit the conditions, be patient with other road users and take care when a pedestrian is crossing.

Speed in particular is one of the major causes of accidents in the Highlands. From 2002 to 2006 there were 520 crashes involving excessive speed, 10 were fatal.

Goulburn police Local Area Command Superintendent Peter Gillam said Fatality Free Friday represented a fresh approach in dealing with a complex issue.

For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Friday, May 16