3 minute read
From the President
ABOUT YOUR RACT
PRESIDENT Kathryn Westwood VICE PRESIDENT Peter Dixon BOARD Peter Joyce Josephine Archer Phil Jones Jude Franks Jenny Richardson Sue Smith Risden Knightley Pieter Kolkert Alison Flakemore Ralph Doedens GROUP CEO Mark Mugnaioni HEAD OFFICE/HOBART BRANCH 179-191 Murray Street, Hobart Ph: (03) 6232 6300 Fax: (03) 6234 8784 OTHER BRANCHES Cruise Travel Centre, Hobart, 1/110 Collins Street (03) 6222 9222 Launceston, Cnr York & George Streets (03) 6335 5633 Devonport, 68 Rooke Street Mall (03) 6421 1933 Ulverstone (Travel only), 38 Reibey Street (03) 6490 8350 Burnie, 24 North Terrace (03) 6434 2933 Rosny Park, 2 Bayfield Street (03) 6212 6755 Glenorchy, Cnr Main Road & Terry Street (03) 6212 9588 Kingston, Shop 60 Channel Court (03) 6242 3200 AUTOSERVE 136 Harrington St, Hobart 85 Cimitiere St, Launceston EDITORIAL Zoe Cooney GPO Box 1292, Hobart 7001 Email: journeys@ract.com.au Ph: (03) 6236 4347 ADVERTISING Stacey Pennicott, 0400 618 159 Travel: Christine Benbow, 0419 886 549 PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY BY The Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania Limited ABN 62 009 475 861 Every effort is made to ensure the authenticity of advertisements including product testing where practicable. However, publication of an advertisement does not imply that the product or service carries the recommendation of RACT. If you wish to unsubscribe from Journeys, please contact the RACT on 13 27 22, email journeys@ract.com.au, or visit ract.com.au/membership/ manage-your-membership *Competition terms and conditions: ract.com.au/membership/journeys No part of Journeys may be reproduced without permission. Copyright 2020 RACT DESIGN & PRODUCTION: Digital Ink PRINTING: Ovato MAILHOUSE: D&D Mailing Services DISTRIBUTION: Australia Post ISSN 0818-5549 200352
Kathryn Westwood
As a member organisation we exist for you. We’re here to support you through life’s milestones and obstacles, and are committed to making your life easier. Thank you to those who had their say in our recent annual member survey.
We appreciate your honest feedback and ideas, and will take them on board as we find ways to support you that take your interests and values into account.
Some of the key insights you told us include:
• You value the fact that we’re a
Tasmanian organisation that provides peace of mind and has a strong focus on customer service; • Being a local provider that makes
Tasmania better is important to you, as is the fact that we can be relied upon when you need us; • Road safety continues to be an area in which we should be focused, particularly in the area of improving the safety of our younger and more vulnerable drivers; and • There are a range of member experience improvements we can implement to make your life simpler and easier and to add value to our services.
It is devastating to see Tasmania’s road toll continuing to climb. The impact this has on the families affected and the broader community is shattering. Tolerating unsafe and risky driver behaviour is unacceptable. We all have a role to play in speaking up if we see risk-taking behaviours, whether it’s a family member, friend or colleague. We must also commit to making better, safer choices behind the wheel ourselves.
As the Tasmanian weather warms up and we head out to explore our beautiful state, being safe on our roads needs to be top of mind for all motorists. This time of year sees an influx of road-users, motorists driving later in the day, schools coming to a close, end-of-year celebrations and gatherings, and longer drives to holiday destinations. We urge all drivers to consider the Fatal Five whenever they’re behind the wheel: driving under the influence of drugs/ alcohol; speeding; driving without a seatbelt; distraction; and fatigue.
It has been an unprecedented year and COVID-19 continues to have physical and mental impacts on our health and wellbeing. Feelings of isolation when away from family and loved ones, as well as feeling overwhelmed and distressed, can significantly affect our ability to focus on the road and can compromise our safety.
It is important to check in with yourself and those around you before driving to ensure you can focus fully on the task at hand without distraction. Be aware, too, that others on the road may be distracted.
If you or someone you know is in need of support, please contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. A list of free, confidential and professional support services is also available on our website at ract.com.au/customer-assistance.
