Search on for Victoria's safest drivers

28 Aug 2003

Media Release - 28 August 2003

TAC Minister Rob Hulls today launched Drive Right 2, a state-wide program to promote and reward safe and courteous driving.

Drive Right 2 will build on the success of the last year's inaugural program which saw more than 150,000 Victorians registered to participate and more than 10,000 motorists recognised for their safe and courteous driving.

Mr Hulls said the TAC hoped to see even more Victorians participate this year.

"Drive Right 2 seeks to reward the majority of drivers who do the right things, such as keeping to the speed limit and behaving with courtesy," Mr Hulls said.

Under the program, rewards such as new Renault Meganes – one of the world's safest cars - will be given to Victoria's safest drivers throughout the Christmas and New Year period.

Motorists need to register for the program and display a sticker to be eligible.

Mr Hulls said every day from today until 30 January 2004, official 'spotters' from the Victoria Police, the Metropolitan Fire Brigade and Ambulance Services, will be on the look out for Drive Right 2 motorists who are driving safely and courteously.

"The Christmas and New Year period is a notoriously dangerous time on our roads – we hope this program will remind motorists of their responsibilities to keep themselves and their families safe," he said.

"This approach will further build upon existing hard-hitting public education campaigns and enforcement efforts."

Participating drivers will be eligible for a range of rewards including one of five new Renault Meganes, recently given a 5 star safety rating in European crash tests and awarded 2003 European car of the year.

All motorists spotted driving safely and courteously will receive a 'thank you pack' that includes a car first aid kit and a letter of commendation.

A public education campaign will commence this Saturday, urging all motorists to register and participate in the program.

Over the next four days, every Victorian household will receive a hand delivered registration form and sticker.

Participants can register by completing and returning the registration form, or via the Internet at www.tacsafety.com.au

All registered participants will be eligible to be rewarded with a gift pack valued at over $4,000 including items such as tyres and a petrol card.

The registration period for Drive Right 2 will run from today until 31 October.

At the conclusion of the program, the names of five participants will be drawn, and provided they have not accumulated any demerit points on their licences during the five-month safe driving period, each will be given a new car.

Specific safe and courteous driving behaviour Police, Fire Brigade and Ambulance officers will be looking for are:

• driving/riding appropriately for the road conditions, and always within the speed limit;
• maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front; and
• driving courteously – letting other vehicles merge and being patient at pedestrian crossings.

More details and tips on 'how to drive right' can be found at www.tacsafety.com.au.

Victoria's road toll currently stands at 229, down from 268 for the same period in 2002 (a decrease of 15%).