LOCAL councils held annual ‘blessing of the roads’ ceremonies in Sorrento and Tapping yesterday to promote road safety ahead of Easter.
The cities of Stirling, Joondalup and Swan held a joint ceremony at Sorrento Beach Park on March 28, while the City of Wanneroo held one at its busiest intersection, Wanneroo Road and Joondalup Drive.
The annual event is part of the WA Local Government Association’s Roadwise campaign.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWIt promotes road safety in an effort to reduce accidents over the Easter long weekend, when there is often a spike in serious and fatal crashes.
Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts attended the Sorrento ceremony and said Easter was one of the busiest periods on WA roads.
“Be prepared if you are travelling long distances by getting a good night’s sleep, taking regular breaks along the journey, and swap drivers if you’re feeling fatigued,” she said.
“Police will have every available traffic vehicle out on our roads, particularly in regional WA.
“Double demerit points will apply if you’re caught speeding, using a mobile phone behind the wheel, impaired by alcohol or drugs, not wearing a seatbelt or going through a red light.”
Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts urged all road users to take care on the roads.
“Last year, there were 161 fatalities on WA roads and more than 1000 people were seriously injured,” she said.
“The majority of these deaths and injuries, many of which involved innocent victims, could have been avoided.”
WA Police Chaplain Joe Newbold prayed for the safety of all road users, including emergency services staff who deal with road trauma and guest speakers included acting Road Safety Commissioner Iain Cameron and Injury Matters community outreach coordinator Georgie Sweeting.
Students from local schools placed white crosses in the ground to pay respect to victims of road fatalities.
During the event, Mrs Roberts presented the City’s Human Spirit Awards for Road Safety to Roadwise committee member Bill Street for volunteering for the past 17 years.
Councillor Dot Newton, who is also a Roadwise member, received an award for her dedication and longstanding commitment to the committee and the promotion of road safety within the City.
Cr Newton has been an active member of Roadwise since it started in 2001 and has volunteered in road safety initiatives such as Driver Reviver and the annual Caravan and Trailer Check.
The Driver Reviver van will be on Indian Ocean Drive on Easter Monday, offering drivers a free cup of coffee or tea, a biscuit and chance to stop.
The van will be parked in the lay-by about 1km north of the City of Wanneroo boundary with the Shire of Gingin from 8am to 4pm on April 2.
The Easter double demerit period started today and ends midnight on Monday, April 2.
MORE: Perth: Police officer stood down for possession of indecent or obscene material
MORE: Town of Bassendean bans single-use plastic at events
MORE: Mandurah councillor takes aim at unhealthy food choices, such as chips, sold at MARC cafe