Cash boost to make M8s W8

The Bunbury Region RoadWise Commitee’s “M8 the call can W8” campaign will receive a cash boost in a bid to tackle mobile phone use while driving.

Deputy Premier and Road Safety Minister Liza Harvey announced the M8 the call can W8 campaign would be allocated $27,850 from a share of $49,570 as part of the Liberal National Government’s Road Safety Community Grants Program for 2016-17.

Bunbury Region RoadWise Committee chairwoman Betty McCleary said the grant would help the campaign get the “M8 the call can W8” message to more people.

“We are most grateful for the grant, we want to get the message out to as many people as possible,” Cr McCleary said.

This would include an advertising campaign as well as school education, bumper stickers and messages on road signs.

“We anticipate we will get the message out to 50,000 to 100,000 people,” Cr McCleary said.

“We want the message to be a positive one about educating people.”

Cr McCleary said the campaign had expanded from just two local governments in 2014, which included the City of Bunbury and the Shire of Dardanup.

“This year up to 15 shires through the South West will join the campaign,” Cr McCleary said.

“Statistics show almost one-third of all crash fatalities and serious injuries in WA involved driver distraction.”

The Bunbury Region RoadWise Committee is part of the WA Local Government Association’s RoadWise Program.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility and these grants will continue to encourage community groups to participate in a range of road safety initiatives,” Ms Harvey said.