Falls Festival revellers book a date with Vanessa

23 Dec 2015

Revellers at this weekend's Falls Festival have been urged to book a date with the Transport Accident Commission's Vanessa bus, as new figures show a rise in fatalities involving young people.

The TAC expects youths stationed at its Vanessa bus will administer more than 5000 free breath tests at this year's Falls Festival near Lorne.

Already in 2015, 33 people aged 16 to 20 have died on Victorian roads, 14 more than died in 2014.

TAC youth road safety expert Samantha Buckis said, in addition to helping festival goers avoid drink driving, the double-storey Vanessa bus gives revellers a chance to chill out and enjoy healthy activities, movies and games between acts.

"Everyone needs a mate at a festival to look out for them, give them a drink of water or a coffee when they need it and keep them happy. That's what Vanessa is all about," Ms Buckis said.

"It's about young people looking after each other in a fun and welcoming environment and making sure everyone is under the legal blood alcohol limit before they drive home so they get there safely."

Ms Buckis said Vanessa had undergone a facelift since last year's Falls Festival, with a new look and plenty of fun new activities.

"Vanessa sees herself as part of a movement – a collective of young people embracing the best things in life and all playing their part as they move as one towards a future where everyone gets home from the party safe and happy," she said.

Ms Buckis said the TAC and Vanessa had been associated with Falls Festival for more than 20 years.

"Falls is an amazing event and exceptionally well run in terms medical and other facilities to look after patrons. We see Vanessa as a great extension of that so we are thrilled that we're still here after all these years," Ms Buckis said.

"We'd love to see as many people as possible come and say 'hi' to Vanessa this year because there are always plenty of surprises in store."

Ms Buckis said festival goers were sometimes surprised at how high their readings were the morning after as they prepared for the road trip home.

"When they realise that they're a fair way off being safe to drive, they're happy to just chill out for a while, have a coffee or a water and wait until they're under. We always see that as a win."

The Vanessa Crew

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