This week is Yellow Ribbon National Road Safety Week, which focuses on education on "in-car distraction".

Each year about 1200 lives are lost and 30,000 are seriously injured on Australia roads.

On May 5, Parliament will have a minute's silence a midday to remember the '1200@1200'.

Governor-General Peter Cosgrove urged Australians to think about their driving and responsibility to other road users.

"By wearing a Yellow Ribbon you can show your solidarity for those killed and for those who have forever lost someone dear to them."

He added that the week is about more that remembering.

"We also resolve to do more to reduce the road toll, save lives and make our roads safer for everyone," he said.

"Tragically, too many of us are driving blind, distracted as we drive, with mobile phones and texting the greatest culprits.

"Each of us has a role to play, by concentrating on the task at hand and focusing on driving safely at all times."

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said while better roads and vehicles were important, drivers also needed to take responsibility.

"Every driver has a duty of care towards their fellow road users, and a responsibility to face up to the potential consequences of their actions," Mr Turnbull said.

"Each of us has the power to reduce the road toll by taking care when we drive and heeding the advice of groups like the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH).

"I commend SARAH for its call to action, 'Drive So Others Survive', and its continuing efforts to improve road safety."

SARAH president Peter Frazer said the number of fatalities and injuries on Australian roads was rising.

"But these statistics tell us nothing about the personal stories of those involved, of our emergency services personnel who become traumatised by what they see, of parents and partners left to identify their loved ones, and of the sad legacy faced by family and friends for the rest of their lives," he said.

"So put your mobile down and make a decision to look after those on the road ahead."

There has been an 11 per cent spike in the road toll over the past 12 months.

Learn more at http://www.sarahgroup.org/