Be a road safety hero with this year’s road safety week

This week is Road Safety Week, an annual campaign that encourages families, schools and community groups across the country to get involved in activities and lessons that promote safer roads for everyone.

The Hibiscus Coast is home to a large number of students attending its secondary and primary schools, with bikes, scooters, pedestrians, and e-scooters frequently sharing roads and footpaths. Residents have voiced concerns on local Facebook pages about unsafe behaviour involving teenagers on e-bikes and e-scooters. Road Safety Week focuses on promoting awareness and education to help people stay safe while also looking out for others.

The awareness week celebrates its 15th year, with this year’s theme being “be a road safety hero” to recognise those actively working to improve road safety through infrastructure designers, emergency responders and community advocates, but also encouraging others to play their part too. 

The week is coordinated by Brake, a national road safety charity, and supported by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and design and civil engineering company Beca.

Brake’s NZ director Caroline Perry says that safe travel should be a right for everyone, every day. She recognises the dedication of those working behind the scenes to protect lives and assist people impacted by road crashes, and urges communities to pass on vital safety messages to young people and drivers.

“Parents and community groups can make a real difference by spreading these messages locally,” she says.

Fabian Marsh from NZ Transport Agency says the organisation is proud to support the initiative, highlighting it as an important opportunity to recognise the work already being done while building greater awareness in communities.

Beca managing director, Andrea Rickard says reducing harm on New Zealand roads is a key priority for Beca, with teams engaging communities nationwide, including visiting schools to promote road safety.

During the week, communities are encouraged to recognise “road safety heroes,” alongside national awards from the Yellow Ribbon Road Safety Alliance. Yellow remains a key symbol, with people invited to wear it, display ribbons, or light up spaces in support.

Fundraising efforts like “Go Yellow” days help support those affected by road crashes. Communities are also urged to raise awareness locally and start conversations about safety, with organisers saying there’s still time for individuals, schools, and organisations to get involved.

For how you can get involved, visit www.roadsafetyweek.org.nz/ for how to get involved.