Road crash victims remembered

The importance of being aware on and around the roads was brought home to Thornlie Senior High School students this week, as part of the World Day of Remembrance.

The international day for remembrance of road traffic victims and road safety awareness is commemorated each year at a different school in the City of Gosnells.

City of Gosnells Mayor Glenn Dewhurst urged the students to be mindful on the roads – as pedestrians, as passengers and behind the wheel.

“Each year we watch the road toll add up in Western Australia,” he said.

“We need to remember that the toll isn’t a bunch of numbers. These are real people, with grieving families and friends. What’s more, the road toll doesn’t reveal the number of people who are seriously injured on the roads, who face lengthy and difficult recoveries, or have permanent injuries. 

“When you’re near the road, please switch on all your senses and keep your attention on your surroundings and your actions. It could save someone’s life – even your own, your parents’, or your best friend’s.”

Keynote speaker Constable David Rostron from Major Crash Investigations described his job to the audience, attending road crashes, identifying victims, investigating the cause of the crash and liaising with the people involved and their families. 

“It takes a split second of recklessness or inattention to change your life, and others, forever,” he said.

Guest speaker Liz Gibson was injured in June last year, when she was struck by a car while crossing the road in Canning Vale. She was placed in a medically induced coma, spent 10 days in intensive care, and continues her recovery from an acquired brain injury.

She encouraged students to use pedestrian crossings and avoid looking at their phones while crossing roads.