Make the Road Safety Pledge

Published on 18 May 2026

Communities across New South Wales are being urged to reflect on their behaviour behind the wheel as National Road Safety Week 2026 highlights the ongoing human cost of road trauma and the shared responsibility to save lives.

Council Road Safety Officer Steven Bloomfield is calling on all drivers to take the message seriously, urging road users to slow down, avoid distractions and make safer choices every time they travel. He emphasised that road safety is not just a government responsibility, but a community one.

“Every decision on the road matters,” Mr Bloomfield said. “We’re asking all drivers to think about their loved ones and commit to safer behaviour.”

A central part of the campaign is the national pledge, encouraging motorists to drive as if loved ones are on the road ahead, remove distractions such as mobile phones, avoid speeding or driving under the influence, and protect vulnerable road users.

National Road Safety Week aims to raise awareness of the devastating impact of crashes and promote behavioural change to reduce fatalities and injuries on Australian roads. The campaign aligns with broader efforts to ensure that everyone makes it home safely.

The message is particularly urgent following a rise in fatalities. In 2025, New South Wales recorded 355 road deaths — the highest toll in eight years — highlighting a concerning trend and reinforcing the need for stronger action in 2026. While early 2026 figures continue to underscore the risks on the network, authorities say sustained behavioural change is critical to reversing the trend.

Transport for NSW continues to drive the “Towards Zero” vision, which aims to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on the state’s roads. The Road Safety Action Plan targets a 50 per cent reduction in fatalities and a 30 per cent reduction in serious injuries by 2030 through safer roads, speeds, vehicles and people.

Mr Bloomfield said initiatives and enforcement alone cannot solve the problem.

“Real change comes from individual choices. By taking the pledge and committing to safer driving, every road user can play a role in reducing the road toll,” he said.

As National Road Safety Week 2026 continues, the message remains clear: every life lost on the road is preventable, and achieving zero deaths requires action from everyone.

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Temora Shire Council Media Enquires

Corporate Communications Officer – Elise Hawthorn

E: communications@temora.nsw.gov.au

P: 6980 1127