TAC urges Victorians to ‘Be Present’ this Christmas

04 Dec 2015

The Transport Accident Commission will be reaching out to Victorians with a positive road safety message at Christmas carol events across the state this December.

TAC senior road safety manager Samantha Cockfield said the TAC's Be Present roadshow would give carollers the chance to create a colourful, personalised Christmas road safety message for their loved ones.

"It's a giant present and you can wander in and have yourself gift-wrapped and photographed for a Christmas card that you can send to family and friends or put on social media," Ms Cockfield said.

"The cards will remind your loved ones that the best gift they can give this Christmas is to be present."

The Be Present roadshow will head to nine carols by candlelight events throughout Victoria, delivering the Christmas road safety message to more than 80,000 carollers.

"We're at that time of year when people love to enjoy time with their family and friends and no-one deserves to have an empty seat at the table because of a tragedy on the roads," Ms Cockfield said.

Ms Cockfield said the festive season often meant road trips involving large distances and unfamiliar or less-travelled roads.

"Planning trips is essential and if you're going to be driving for longer than two hours, factor in rest stops and allow plenty of time to reach your destination," Ms Cockfield said.

"We need drivers to stay within speed limits, drive to the conditions and ensure they are present in the moment and not distracted by mobile devices or passengers."

Australian Transport Safety Bureau research shows fatal accidents over Christmas tend to involve more rural locations, high-speed zones and single-vehicle crashes. Higher numbers of passengers, women and children under 15 are also killed during the season.

Ms Cockfield said Christmas also meant lots of work break-ups, Christmas parties and other functions where alcohol was often involved.

"If you know you will be drinking, make sure you plan ahead and ensure you have a safe way home, whether that's a designated driver, a pre-booked taxi or organising a friend or family member to pick you up," she said.

"This Christmas, let's all look out for our friends and family and share the responsibility for keeping each other safe."

Find Be Present at Christmas carols near you

Dennis Walter in Geelong with the 'Be Present' staff

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