Shine a light on road trauma

01 Dec 2009

MEDIA RELEASE: 1 December 2009

The Premier John Brumby has called on Victorians to show their commitment to road safety by shining a light on road trauma next Thursday 10 December.

Mr Brumby said Victorians can turn on their headlights as a simple, free and highly visible gesture, to remember those who have died on our roads and show a commitment to reducing road trauma.

10 December marks 20 years since the first Transport Accident Commission advertisement went to air.

“Since 1989, more than 8200 people have died on Victorian roads,” Mr Brumby said.

“Of those:

• 3740 were drivers
• 1872 were passengers
• 1,500 were pedestrians
• 955 were motorcyclists, and
• 238 cyclists died.”

“In addition, more than 130,000 people have been seriously injured. We need the community’s help to reduce these devastating numbers.

“I call on all Victorians to turn on their headlights on Thursday 10 December to show your commitment to reducing road trauma.”

Mr Brumby said every Victorian should take their responsibility on the roads seriously.

“Drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians can all play a part in being responsible when on the roads,” Mr Brumby said.

Mr Brumby said the Victorian Government was committed to its ambitious road safety target set out in the arrive alive strategy, which aims to cut the road toll and reduce serious injuries by 30 per cent by 2017.

“Victoria Police are dedicating more resources than ever before to fight the road toll.  The Government is supporting police with new measures to help enforce the road rules and enhanced campaigns to remind motorists of the dangers on the roads,” Mr Brumby said.

Combined with enforcement and supporting the work of its Victorian road safety partners, the TAC’s public education campaigns have helped halve the road toll despite a significant increase in the number of vehicles on our roads.

Victorians will be turning on their headlights on December 10 to Shine a Light on Road Trauma.

For details and more information about shine a light on road trauma day