AUSTRALIA’S LEADING KARTERS TAKE THE FATALITY FREE FRIDAY PLEDGE

Kel Treseder signing the Fatality Free Friday Pledge.

A number of Australia’s leading karters have taken the Fatality Free Friday Road Safety Pledge.

Fatality Free Friday represents a fresh approach in dealing with road safety. The day is an annual event designed to focus public attention on road safety and encourage all road users to think and drive safely.

The goal of the campaign is to ensure that there are no road crash fatalities around Australia during the day and prompt road users to behave more safely every day. It is a call to action that serves as a platform for a targeted and ongoing approach to road safety.

Leading the way for the cause by signing the pledge and committing to driving safely and taking extra care on the roads next Friday May 27, are three prominent figures in the CIK Stars of Karting Series.

Growing up in the Central Queensland town of Bundaberg, Pro Gearbox (KZ2) series leader Kel Treseder has heard about too many people being involved in fatal accidents on country roads.

Treseder believes the Fatality Free Friday event is a fantastic initiative and calls for all kart racers to be safe on the roads, not just next Friday but every day of the year.

Gladstone’s John Grother is another of Australia’s leading kart racers to have signed the pledge

“I’m proud to do my bit towards the Fatality Free Friday cause and hope that everyone can be safe on the roads next Friday,” said Treseder.

“Fatality Free Friday is a great initiative and I encourage everyone to be safe on the roads not just next Friday but every time they get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

“As a karting fraternity we travel thousands of kilometres each year to and from race meetings, not to mention our normal day to day travel, and I hope this reminds everyone to take always extra care and be aware when travelling.”

Gladstone’s John Grother is another of Australia’s leading kart racers to have signed the pledge. He was personally touched recently by the issue of road safety with the death of fellow kart racer Norton Rogers in a car accident just outside of the pair’s home town.

“The loss of Norton really hit me hard, it made me think even more about road safety and always being aware of your surroundings while behind the wheel,” said Grother.

“On a kart track you’re in a controlled environment, which is the safest place while driving at speed – unlike the road when you’ve always got to be prepared for the unexpected to happen.

“Fatality Free Friday is a great cause and I encourage all karters to get behind the cause.”

While Pro Junior (KF3) series leader Pierce Lehane may not be old enough to obtain his drivers licence, he too is doing his part for the Fatality Free Friday cause.

Pierce Lehane has taken the pledge to remind his family and friends that it’s a special day and to take extra care on the roads.

Lehane has taken the pledge to remind his family and friends that it’s a special day and to take extra care on the roads. He will be taking care and looking both ways when crossing the road or street, he knows that approximately 10% of the deaths on the road are pedestrians.

Fatality Free Friday Road Safety Foundation Chairman Russell White is delighted to see Australia’s leading karters supporting this year’s event.

“We believe road fatalities and injuries are preventable and that all road users play a role in helping to improve safety in our communities and on our streets,” said White.

“We welcome the support from the karting community. It’s great to see the next generation of drivers taking the pledge and helping to promote road safety.”

Fatality Free Friday is the chance for you to join the campaign for a fatality-free day on Australia’s roads by taking the Fatality Free Friday pledge. It doesn’t cost anything – you don’t even have to give any details – just print out the pledge from www.fatalityfreefriday.com.au and make a promise to yourself to go safe on the road on Fatality Free Friday.