Yellow ribbons will pop up on roundabouts across the Camden area this week, in honour of those who have lost their lives to road incidents and to highlight the importance of driving safely.

The initiative is part of Camden Council’s support of National Road Safety Week, which runs from Sunday 14 to 21 May.

In a further show of support, a giant yellow ribbon will be placed on Council’s administration building and Oran Park Library will light up yellow of a night.

Every year, more than 1,200 people are killed and another 35,000 seriously injured on Australian roads. Traffic injury is the biggest killer of Australian children under 15 years and the second-biggest killer of all Australians aged between 15 and 24 years.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney, said National Road Safety Week provided an opportunity to spread crucial messaging and awareness around following the road rules.

“Deaths and serious injuries on roads in Australia are growing every year, which is extremely sad because they are preventable,” she said. “That’s why it’s so important that we are all vigilant and aware each and every time we get behind the wheel.”

The annual initiative from the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group asks motorists to take the pledge online to “drive so others survive”.

Mayor Cagney encouraged residents to take the pledge.

“Please drive safely for the protection of you, your passengers and others on the road with you,” Mayor Cagney said.

“No saving of time is worth taking any risk. Make sure you come home to your loved ones safe and sound.”

To take the pledge and find out more, visit roadsafetyweek.com.au