05 Dec 2017
Victorians are being urged to keep each other safe on our roads this festive season with the Andrews Labor Government and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) today launching a pre-Christmas appeal to drivers.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan joined the TAC, VicRoads and Victoria Police to ask drivers to slow down, plan their trips and make safe choices when hitting the road these holidays.
The TAC’s ‘Be Present’ display has opened as part of the City of Melbourne’s Christmas festival at Federation Square encouraging visitors to spread the road safety message via social media.
Visitors will be able to sing a Christmas carol with Santa in a giant snow dome, filming a video reminding people that the best thing they can give their loved ones this Christmas is to be there.
‘Be Present’ will also tour regional and suburban carols by candlelight events, part of an unprecedented December effort by the state’s road safety agencies to keep Victorians safe on the roads.
The TAC will have a strong presence in regional Victoria these holidays, with country Victorians four times more likely to be killed on the roads than in metropolitan Melbourne.
TAC road safety teams will be at more than 40 regional events, including festivals and race meetings, providing safe driving advice, free breath tests, giveaways and more in a bid to curb the number of people being killed on country roads.
At the same time, a TAC-supported enforcement program will help deliver an increased police presence with almost 1000 additional hours of police shifts on Victoria’s roads during the festive season and into the New Year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan
“November was a tragic month on Victoria’s roads and with the busy festive season approaching we’re asking all Victorians to ‘Be Present’ this Christmas.”
“We want all Victorians to make good choices before they get behind the wheel and when they’re on the roads this Christmas – the best gift we can give our loved ones is just to be there.”
Quotes attributable to TAC Road Safety Manager Samantha Buckis
“The festive period is a busy, high-risk time on Victorian roads, with people taking longer trips to see family and friends. We are asking people to plan their journey, include rest stops and take their time to arrive safely.”
Media queries only:
- Nicolas McGay, 0403 710 889 or Nicolas_McGay@tac.vic.gov.au
- Alex White, 0419 529 505 or Alex_White@tac.vic.gov.au
- Devon McGillicuddy, 0466 029 169 or Devon_McGillicuddy@tac.vic.gov.au
Please refer any other enquiries to:
- Online form
- Tel: 1300 654 329
- Email: info@tac.vic.gov.au