TRC backs National Road Safety Week pledge: To Drive so Others Survive

Published on 22 May 2026

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is reminding residents to observe the 2026 National Road Safety Week pledge: To Drive so Others Survive. 

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Cr Geoff McDonald is calling on all residents to heed the safety message to prevent unavoidable death and injury across the road network. 

“The message is not new, but we must constantly remind ourselves and each other about adhering to safe driving behaviour and respecting the road rules,” Mayor McDonald said of the National Road Safety Week campaign that runs until May 24.  

“Council and every agency supporting this campaign is committed to saving lives and reducing road accident injuries that cause untold grief and have a huge financial and social cost to our community.

“Driver behaviour is critical. Drivers need to focus, pay attention to hazards on the roads and drive to the road conditions.” 

TRC Construction and Maintenance (Infrastructure Services) portfolio spokesperson Cr Carol Taylor said the national campaign was a reminder that, “road safety starts with you and I as pedestrians, cyclists, passengers, motorcyclists or motorists”.  

“With a Council network of nearly 6,700km of sealed and unsealed roads, the safety and wellbeing of all road users is a high priority,” Cr Taylor said. 

“Always focus on the fatal five: avoid driver distractions, avoid speeding, drink and drug driving, wear a seat belt and never drive when tired. 

“Council is committed to improving road safety through better engineering on our road projects and advocating for road safety education and enforcement, in addition to investigating new technologies to improve road management and safety. 

“Council will keep advocating to state and federal governments to reverse the reduction in road funding in real terms for regional and rural roads. Increasing funding for road infrastructure projects is vital to keep pace with higher traffic volumes and community expectations. 

“We also work collaboratively with the Department of Transport and Main Roads and the Police and thank all emergency services agencies for the work they perform around the clock to keep our community safe.”

National Road Safety Week 2026, May 17-24

National Road Safety Week is an annual initiative from the Safer Australian Roads and Highway (SARAH) Group, partnering with government and road safety advocates to highlight the effects of road trauma and ways to reduce it.

Take the Pledge – Lead the way: Lead the pledge to drive so others survive and sign up online at www.roadsafetyweek.com.au