Central Coast Council is calling on residents to take the pledge to drive safely on Friday 27 May by signing a giant inflatable car as part of the National Fatality Free Friday campaign.

The aim of Fatality Free Friday is to achieve zero deaths on Australian roads for just one day.

The inflatable car will be set up at Council’s Wyong office this Friday 20 May for the public to come along and sign in person.

Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, will be signing the car and is urging other drivers to take the pledge too.

“I can’t stress enough how important it is to keep safety at the front of your mind at all times while driving,” Mr Reynolds said.

“Sending a text message or speeding because you’re running late is just not worth your life.

“I think a Fatality Free Friday is a realistic target and I encourage everyone on the Coast to take the pledge to drive safely next Friday and every other day.
“We are asking people to consciously think about their driving behaviour and stay safe on our roads.”

Council’s Road Safety Officer, Ms Kate Keogh, said Fatality Free Friday is about raising awareness of road safety.

“The number of lives lost on NSW is already much higher than last year with 154 fatalities on NSW roads compared to this time last year when it was 119,” Ms Keogh said

“The blow-up car always creates a lot of interest in the community and gets people thinking more about safety to help better decision making on the road.

“Distractions like texting seem so ordinary but illegal phone use is now a significant contributor to car crashes.

“Other behaviours that lead to fatal and serious injury crashes are speeding, drink driving, not wearing a seatbelt and fatigue.

“Just like this year’s theme says, the keys to road safety are in your hands.”

If residents can’t get along to sign the car in person they can sign the pledge online at www.fatalityfreefriday.com