MEDIA RELEASE 2011 02

AMC WELCOMES LAUNCH OF UN DECADE OF ACTION

  The Australian Motorcycle Council (AMC) has welcomed the worldwide launch of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020.

Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport, the Hon Catherine King MP, officially launched Australia’s commitment to the Decade for Action at Parliament House in Canberra on 11 May.

“Approximately 1.3 million people die on the world’s roads each year and up to 50 million people sustain non-fatal injuries – with a large proportion of this trauma occurring in developing nations,” said Ms King at the launch.

AMC Chairman, Shaun Lennard, said reflection on the international picture – especially for the developing world – put some of the concerns held in Australia into perspective.

“’1.3 million’ rolls of the tongue pretty easily and you might think, ‘So what?’  But put another way, that figure is around 3,500 per day – and that’s appalling,” said Mr Lennard, speaking after the launch.

“Over 90% of all road deaths occur in developing countries, which between them have less than 50% of the world vehicle fleet.  This makes you realise that road safety should be an important part of any international aid program,” said Mr Lennard.

“The majority of that 90% are vulnerable road users – cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists; and many are family income-earners or children,” he explained.

The Decade of Action aims to save 5 million lives.

Australia’s support for the Decade of Action includes provision of $6.2 million to the World Bank’s Global Road Safety Facility, with much of the contribution earmarked for programs in the Asia-Pacific region.

“It’s easy to talk about numbers, but every single death is a family and community tragedy,” Lennard concluded.

Parliament House – Canberra

11 May 2011

For further information call Shaun Lennard on 0417 396 835