The true human impact of road trauma on the Western Australian community was revealed in the Perth CBD today.
Dozens of empty shoes placed outside St George’s Cathedral represented the men, women, children, drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians who have lost their lives on WA roads in 2018.
Each pair of shoes represents an individual, a family member, a friend or a work colleague.
Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts inspected the display which serves as a strong reminder for everyone to share the roads responsibly as the school holidays and festive season approach.
The community will receive another reminder of their responsibilities on the road during the busy holiday period when the second phase of the State Government’s ‘We’re watching you’ begins on television on December 2.
With a focus on drink driving in the lead up to the holiday season, ‘We’re watching you’ cautions drivers who take a risk by behaving illegally they will get caught.
The new phase of the ‘We’re watching you’ campaign can already be seen on bus shelters around Perth and on billboards across regional WA.
As stated by Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts:
“As we head into a busy time on our roads, I urge all Western Australians to pause and take a moment to remember the lives we have lost in road crashes so far this year.
“This display of empty shoes at St George’s Cathedral is a powerful reminder of all of those who won’t be celebrating Christmas or the New Year with their families.
“I urge every driver these holidays to keep that image in their minds. Those shoes could be yours, your child’s, your parent’s or your friends’.
“For those on long trips, take regular breaks, don’t drive tired and remember there will be a big police presence on our roads.”
