Slow the f*st down
Speeding on our roads risks lives.
Next time you feel the urge to push the pedal, 'slow the f*st down, thank you Coffs'.
Speeding is the biggest contributor to road crashes.
No matter what causes a crash, speed has a direct relationship to the severity of every crash. Higher speeds result in worse injuries in a crash. Slowing down is one of the easiest ways you can help everyone get home safely.
Driven by Coffs people for Coffs roads
Coffs Harbour residents and workers were invited to join a road-safety world-first initiative – a community jury – to deliberate on ways to enhance community understanding of the importance of safe travel speeds.
This research with The George Institute for Global Health is being run in 7 local government areas across NSW to find new ways to save lives on the road.
The local community jury of 20 people heard from experts then had a missive: to seek new ways to help the community understand the importance of safe travel speeds so that every journey is safe. Following their research, the community jury landed on a campaign concept that should highly resonate with the target audience.
The slightly cheeky ‘slow the f*st down, thank you Coffs’ campaign was borne from the recommendations to catch your eye and curb your speed.
The activation ran from November 25- February 2026. For more information on the CASS Study Community Action for Safe Speeds - CASS Study | Have Your Say Coffs Harbour
Find out more about the CASS Study:
This research project has led to the development of community-driven ideas and campaigns to help spread the message that safe speeds are important to creating safe communities.
The local community jury message is clear: the speed you choose can be the difference between life and death. It is up to you.
See the bumper stickers designs
How you did the community 'slow the f*st down'
Three ways you became involved:
1. Stick it
You embraced the campaign stickers to show support for the message. They were displayed on your cars, motorbikes, utes, vans and trailers.
2. Drive it
Committed to driving at safe speeds — and adjusting for road and weather conditions. People committed to not speed, vibed to the radio ads, and emailed in requests for road signs to be placed in their area.
3. Share it
People talked to others about the importance of safe speeds. They shared the campaign on social media and helped encourage safer driving across our region.
Why every km/h matters
A small increase in speed can make a big difference to whether you can stop in time.
As your speed goes up:
- your stopping distance increases
- the impact of a crash becomes more severe
- the chance of death or serious injury rises sharply.
Many serious crashes do not happen at extreme speeds – they happen on everyday 50–60 km/h roads where people live, work, and go to .
Image: Safe stopping distance chart showing reaction and braking distance at different speeds. Graphic -Transports for NSW
Watch: Eddie Woo explains stopping distances
What is happening on Coffs roads
Road users by local government area of crash | Transport for NSW
Explore official statistics using the Transport for NSW Interactive Crash Statistics tools and latest reports.
Campaign launch
Slow the f*st down, thank you Coffs' was launched locally on Monday 17 November 2025.
The launch brought together community members, and road safety experts to share the story behind the campaign, highlight local data, and gave people practical tips to support safer speeds
Stickers enquiries
Free road safety bumper stickers available — email coffs.council@chcc.nsw.gov.au to claim yours.
Learn more about safe speeds
For more information and evidence on safe speeds and road safety, visit:
Statistics
Why focus on speed?
Speed is one of the key factors in the number and severity of crashes. Even small reductions in speed can significantly reduce the risk of death or serious injury.
Is this about revenue raising?
No. This campaign was shaped by local residents through the CASS Study. It focuses on community awareness and behaviour change, not fines. The aim is simple: fewer crashes, fewer people hurt, and safer streets for everyone.
How long will bumper stickers be available?
Stickers are available while stocks last. Check with your local library for availability.
|
|
The Education and Awareness for Safe Speeds in Communities Project was funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.
|