Fatalities on city roads slashed in half

GREATER Dandenong council has cut its road toll by more than 50 per cent, statistics have revealed.
Figures provided by the Royal Automotive Club of Victoria (RACV) show deaths on Greater Dandenong’s road were slashed from 13 in 2005 to six in 2006.
City of Greater Dandenong mayor Youhorn Chea was quick to applaud the figures but challenged motorists to slash the number of deaths even further.
“I am delighted to announce a reduction in the number of road deaths, but we must remain mindful of the dangers present every time we get behind the wheel,” he said.
“The ongoing partnership between council, police and road safety groups has produced some outstanding results, but there is still much to do.
“We must continue to work together with the community to reduce the incidence, severity and cost of road trauma.”
Greater Dandenong’s eastern neighbour, the City of Casey, registered the second highest number of road deaths in 2006 with 12.
Greater Dandenong has a dedicated Community Road Safety Reference Group, which meets regularly to implement its Community Road Safety Strategy.
The group comprises councillors, council staff, local police, VicRoads and school representatives. Its work has paved the way for a number of planned traffic management actions to enhance road safety.
“Community safety rates high on council’s agenda, which is why we have set up these safety committees,’’ Cr Chea said.