Community Road Safety Committee
The Community Road Safety Committee (CRSC) is a "grassroots" road safety program coordinated by Kentish and Latrobe Councils. Kentish Council has been participating in the program since 2004, with the Latrobe Council forming a joint committee through the resource sharing agreement in 2011.
The committee has representatives from; emergency services, council, road safety, school bus drivers, and the community that discuss road safety matters in the region and undertake localised campaigns.
Over the years the committee has developed and delivered a number of these campaigns aimed at encouraging safe driving behaviours.
My Mummy/Daddy Works Here
The My Mummy/Daddy Works Here project was needed to increase the safety for workers who work on roads in the Kentish and Latrobe municipalities. Speeding drivers put road workers lives at risk. Two road workers have been killed and six injured on Tasmanian Roads in the last five years. High visibility vehicle decals were designed and installed on Councils fleet vehicles to urge motorists to be patient, slow down and comply with all signage when travelling through or past work sites.
Motorcycle Safety
Each year, thousands of motorcyclists converge on Kentish to enjoy the magnificent landscapes and ride the winding roads. To educate motorcyclist on the unique hazards present in the area, the CRSC developed the Ride Kentish Safely brochure. A copy can be downloaded on the link below.
School Bus Safety
School bus safety is an important matter, being a rural area many of Kentish’s students commute on school buses each day. Over the years the CRSC has undertaken campaigns to raise awareness of the law regarding school buses and conducted sessions with students on how to behave safely on and around the bus at bus stops. Below is a handout provided to students reinforcing the bus safety message.
Kentish Road Safety Bike Park
One of the major achievements of the CRSC was the construction of the Road Safety Bike Park in June 2012. Located at the Kentish Health Centre (7 Henry Street, Sheffield), the park simulates real-life road conditions for children, encouraging them to learn and abide by the road rules. It is expected that once these children grow up, they will have a good basis of knowledge of the road rules.
During 2014, a bike and traffic education program funded by the Motor Accidents Insurance Board was delivered in partnership with Tasmanian Police, the Department of State Growth and the CRSC committee. During the project, over 500 students in year 3 from schools located in the Kentish, Latrobe and Devonport municipalities participated in bike and traffic safety sessions.
Horse Rider Road Safety
During 2013, it was highlighted just how many horses ride on Kentish Roads. With the passionate involvement from local riders, the CRSC undertook a project to implement a number of measures to improve the safety for riders. These measures incorporated the installation of signage in key locations around the Kentish municipality to make motorists aware of the presence of riders, and the development of an informational brochure for both motorists and riders.
Horse Rider Road Safety Brochure
Click here to see the Horse Rider Road Safety video
Factor the Tractor
During the first half of 2016, Council delivered a campaign to increase the awareness of agricultural machinery on local roads. Kentish is a rural area with many primary production businesses, and this sees large harvesters, tractors and other agricultural machinery on our roads.
The campaign included radio advertising, print media and display of the variable message sign throughout the Kentish and Latrobe areas.
See us Safely
Tourism is a key economic driver for both the Kentish and Latrobe municipalities, with thousands of interstate and international tourists visiting each year. The Community Road Safety Committee would like them to enjoy their time here without the consequences of a car crash. Using the variable message sign, radio advertising, the campaign encourages tourists to 'See us Safely' and enjoy their visit.
Drink Driving
Alcohol is a factor in 17% of serious casualty crashes with fatalities and serious injuries. Think about the ones you love before you drink and drive.
