Eight of Australia’s leading road safety programs have received recognition at the country’s only national road safety awards today.
QGC took home top honours at the Australian Road Safety Awards, winning both the Corporate Fleet category as well as the Founder’s Award for Outstanding Achievement. Through the ‘QGC Safe Driving Behaviours Initiatives’ the company have reduced unsafe driving behaviours by 99.5 per cent.
Queensland Police Citizens Youth Club were commended with the esteemed Excellence in Road Safety Award. The group’s program, ‘Braking the Cycle,’ addresses significant road safety, community and social issues via a driving mentor program for disengaged youth working to obtain their license.
Other 2014 Australian Road Safety Award winners included: Road Accident Action Group Mackay (Community Programs); Ngarliyarndu Bindirri Aboriginal Corporation (Indigenous Initiative); Blank-it Safety in Motion (Innovation Award); Shellharbour City Council (Local Government Initiative); bstreetsmart (Schools Program) and Bicycle SA / Motor Accident Commission (State Government Initiative) .
The winners were announced at a gala luncheon at Royal Pines today, hosted by Channel Seven’s Sports Commentator Mark Beretta. The Awards event also featured special guest speakers including five-time Moto GP World Champion Mick Doohan and 2012 Paralympian gold medal winner Ryan Scott.
Australian Road Safety Foundation CEO Russell White said that the calibre of finalists recognised at today’s Awards was raising a new standard of excellence in the road safety field.
“We started the awards in 2010, not only to recognise achievements but to also provide a powerful motivational tool for corporate organisations, community groups and individuals to work towards safer roads in their locals areas,” Mr White said.
“Reducing the number of lives lost on roads will only happen with the concerted and combined effort of community, government and activists so I applaud not just today’s winners, but the 54 finalists programs recognised today,” he said.
Caltex Australia General Manager Supply Chain Andrew Brewer said the nation’s leading fuel supplier remained a long-time supporter of Australian Road Safety Foundation initiatives.
“For Caltex, safety is at the heart of everything we do to keep Australia moving. We also fuel millions of motorists’ vehicles every week, so we are uniquely placed to spread the important message about the role we can all play in keeping our roads safe,” Mr Brewer said.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the Queensland Government was proud to continue to support the Australian Road Safety Awards as part the Governments plan for all motorists.
“Initiatives like the Australia Road Safety Awards remind us how crucial it is to recognise the contributions made towards safer roads,” Mr Emerson said.
“Queensland is currently on its way towards the record lowest road toll in history, however any death on our roads is a tragedy. Once again, the awards have highlighted new and innovative initiatives that have been introduced across this country and I would like to personally thank those who promote this important message of road safety,” he said.
