TAC encourages all road users to be present this Christmas

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05 Dec 2014

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is encouraging all Victorians to make an important promise before they hit the road this Christmas holiday season – to be present.

TAC Chief Executive Officer Janet Dore said the most important gift anyone could give at Christmas was being there to celebrate all the special festive moments with their loved ones.

"The best gift you can give is simply being there, which is why we're urging all Victorians to be present this Christmas," Ms Dore said.

"When you're on the road, be present in the moment. Make sure you actively think about the task at hand and are mindful of what you need to do to make your journey a safe one well before you get behind the wheel.

"The power to be present rests in the hands of every road user. Whether you're a car or truck driver, a motorcyclist, a pedestrian, a passenger or a cyclist, we all have a role to play and must work together to share this important message."

Research from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau shows that fatal collisions during Christmas holidays tend to involve a greater proportion of rural locations, high-speed zones and single-vehicle crashes.*

"Tragically, the season also brings about higher numbers of passengers, women and children under 15 years of age being killed in crashes," Ms Dore said.

"What greater motivation is there to travel safely than being present on Christmas morning and watching the kids open their presents or playing backyard cricket with your mates on Boxing Day?

"Don't let a poor decision or distraction on the road rob you from giving the greatest gift of all this year – your presence."

The TAC's Christmas wish list for everyone to be present this holiday season is as follows:

  • Plan your journey – consider travelling outside peak periods when there's less traffic on the road and if you're travelling long distances, plan appropriate rest stops
  • Be well rested – fatigue can be deadly and is a contributing factor in between 16 to 20 per cent of all road crashes in Victoria. If you're drowsy, pull over for a 15 minute powernap
  • Make the responsible choice not to drink and drive – even small amounts of alcohol impair your ability to be alert and make timely and safe decisions
  • Travel to the conditions, especially on unfamiliar roads, and within the speed limit at all times – speed is a factor in one in three road deaths in Victoria
  • Zero deaths and serious injuries on Victorian roads.

 Twenty eight-year-old TAC client Micaela Henderson suffered horrific injuries in a crash when she was thrown from the speeding car she was a passenger in on her way to a bachelors and spinsters ball in Harrow in western Victoria in January 2010.

Micaela, who was fortunate to escape with her life, knows first-hand just how important it is to be present.

"Every day is a struggle but it's worth it because I am present," Ms Henderson said.

"I don't want anyone to go through what my family and I have been through. So please, be careful and make sure you're there to tell your Dad how stupid he looks in his paper Christmas hat at Christmas lunch like I will be lucky enough to."

The TAC will be turning Victorians into presents to spread the message to take care on the roads this Christmas. A giant inflatable present will make its way across the state to high-risk road trauma locations including Gippsland, Bendigo and Warrnambool.

Members of the community will be able to make their own personalised Christmas card with their promise to their family and friends to be present this Christmas.

To make a free video eCard to share with your family and friends to encourage them to #bepresent this holiday season, visit www.bepresent.net.au.


For more information contact Cath Allen on 0428 938 581

Additional content for media purposes only 

TAC Chief Executive Officer Janet Dore. MP3, 0.75MB

https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/safety/publications/2006/pdf/Holiday_fatalities.pdf

TAC CEO Janet Dore and TAC client Micaela Henderson at the be present launch

TAC CEO Janet Dore and TAC client Micaela Henderson at the be present launch.

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