FED: Govt begging you to slow down this Christmas

AAP General News (Australia)
12-22-2009
FED: Govt begging you to slow down this Christmas

CANBERRA, Dec 22 AAP - Motoring bodies and the federal government are pleading for
drivers to slow down this Christmas as the road toll mounts.

Since December 18, 27 people have died in car crashes across the nation.

The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese
are both calling for caution.

"The safety of you and your family is in your hands so take your time and focus on
arriving safely," Mr Albanese said in a statement.

In 2009 the road toll has been running ahead of the 2008 number for much of the year.

Mr Albanese said the focus of road safety action needed to be on individual responsibility.

AAA chief Mike Harris was equally passionate.

"Acknowledging your limitations, driving responsibly and obeying the law are the surest
ways of getting to your destination safely," he said.

"Taking a bit more time and focus may mean the difference between avoiding a crash
or being part of one."

AAP pv/sb/apm

KEYWORD: TOLL GOVERNMENT

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