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RAA will celebrate with more than 250 of its members who have been with RAA for 50 years or more this week, while continuing to push for more road safety investment in regional roads.
RAA’s General Manager of Community and Corporate Affairs Emily Perry is hosting an afternoon tea for loyal Gold 50 members at Clare (Tuesday), Port Augusta (Wednesday) and Whyalla (Thursday) to mark their five decade membership milestone.
“Gold 50 events are an opportunity to honour our most loyal members, hear their thoughts about RAA and come together in the community,” Ms Perry said.
“The events also include a tailored RAA Gold 50 presentation on road safety, the history of the RAA, as well as information on the latest products and services that come with RAA membership.”
Ms Perry said regional road safety would be high on the agenda during the trip, with plans to meet key stakeholders and community leaders in Clare and the Upper Spencer Gulf.
“Road safety and tackling the unacceptable road toll in regional South Australia is a top priority for RAA,” Ms Perry said.
“Tragically, a greater proportion of people are losing their lives in regional areas, with 65 per cent of fatalities so far this year on country roads, well above the 58 per cent average ratio of the past five years. The most common fatal crash type in our regions this year have involved single vehicles running off the road, accounting for 67 per cent of lives lost on regional roads.’’
Ms Perry said RAA is determined to work with authorities to advocate on behalf of regional communities on a range of issues in addition to road safety.
“We’ll continue to review and assess such issues on behalf of local communities and follow up with governments to drive action,” she said.
Ms Perry said RAA lobbying had significantly contributed to major projects including the $200 million Joy Baluch AM Bridge in Port Augusta, $185 million start to the Augusta Highway duplications and $90 million of improvements to the Horrocks Highway.
“We are also looking forward to fulfilment of our calls for the installation of more overtaking lanes between Port Augusta and Whyalla on the Eyre and Lincoln highways,’’ she said.
“We are always keen on feedback from our members and all other road users, and encourage them to alert us to any unsafe roads or intersection as part of our Risky Roads Campaign, which is open to nominations from now until December 3, by visiting www.raa.com.au/riskyroads.’’
Ms Perry and Gina Norman, General Manager Travel and Distribution, together with other RAA leaders will also be visiting RAA shops in the regions as part of the trip.