The state government has set an ambitious target to reduce road fatalities and severe injuries to zero by 2050, a Mandurah event has heard.
At the Mandurah Stakeholder Road Safety Forum on Monday, attendees were encouraged to make a pledge to "drive so that others survive" as part of the state government's Driving Change - Road Safety Strategy for Western Australia 2020 - 2030.
The new target is included in the strategy, released on Monday at WA's launch of National Road Safety Week 2020.
Driving Change is the framework to guide WA's road safety journey over the next decade, to reduce the number of people fatally, severely or seriously injured by 50-70 per cent by 2030.
Developed after extensive community and stakeholder consultation by the Road Safety Commission, Driving Change replaces the State's current road safety strategy Towards Zero 2008 - 2020.
Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts marked the start of National Road Safety Week in front of an image of a road safety sign first used on Barracks Arch in 1933 - calling for drivers to 'Take it easy - Speed Kills'.
"To launch our State's new road safety vision in front of this image of the 1933 Speed Kills sign - that is still relevant 87 years later - proves we need bold leadership to reduce and eliminate road trauma in our state," Minister Roberts said.
"As road users, we all have a role to play in making every journey a safe one to reach the ambitious goal we have set for Western Australia over the next three decades.
"Road trauma figures have decreased by around 30 per cent over the last 10 years but still around 160 people are killed on WA roads each year and a further 1,500 are seriously injured.
"We can reach our ambitious target of a 50-70 per cent reduction by 2030 by doing more of what works, embracing new technologies and engaging with stakeholders and community.
"We will work with State Government agencies, the Federal Government, local government, first responders, heath care providers, vehicle manufacturers, motoring and community organisations and most importantly you - WA road users - to drive change and save lives.
"National Road Safety Week 2020 begins today and at 12 noon, we are all asked to pause to remember the 1,200 people who die on Australian roads each year.
"By participating in a National Road Safety Week event, it is the first step in your journey to drive change in your family and community to reduce our ambitious target," she said.
The RSC has developed a timeline of National Road Safety Week events, including the inaugural Thank a School Traffic Warden Day and Host a National Road Safety Week Morning Tea.
