8/7/02
A leading Western Australian trucking company has been tackling road safety issues head-on by using its own trucks to post warning messages to motorists.
In Wanneroo today, attending a special Cabinet meeting, Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts commended the Mitchell Corporation over its initiative on making WA's roads safer.
Mrs Roberts said the trucking company, which was one of the largest fuel carriers in Australia, had put warning messages on the rear of five trucks which highlighted the overtaking and braking distances while fully laden.
"We all have a role to play in road safety and preventing deaths from occurring on our State's roads," she said.
"It's terrific that organisations like the Mitchell Corporation are realising their own potential to promote road safety, and I urge private industry to assess what other contributions can be made to spread the message on this important issue.
"Through the efforts of this company, it has been estimated that their 'mobile billboards' are seen by more than 100,000 motorists over 12 months, and I commend their actions in saving lives."
Heavily laden with fuel, the Mitchell trucks pass through the City of Wanneroo on a daily basis. Local Member Dianne Guise and Wanneroo Mayor Jon Kelly have joined the Minister in praising the company for adopting these high profile road safety practices.
"With the large volume of traffic that passes through the Wanneroo region we welcome very positive initiatives like this, which assists cars and trucks to interact safely on our road system," Dianne Guise said.
Mayor Jon Kelly was also very pleased to see private companies showing this level of commitment to road safety.
Mrs Roberts said the trucking company started their own road safety campaign 12 months ago, following an horrific crash involving one of their trucks and six vehicles at an intersection.
"It was a tragic lesson which occurred when a vehicle overtook a truck and then came to an abrupt stop," she said.
"The truck was unable to brake in time and it slammed into the vehicle, which in turn careered into other cars.
"Following the accident the company's drivers and managers met to discuss how to avoid a similar incident and it was decided to advertise road safety messages."
Mrs Roberts has requested that the Road Safety Council consider officially recognising Mitchell Corporation's work towards road safety at their next meeting.
Minister's office: 9213 6600
