TAC Sends Final Christmas Warning

21 Dec 2011

MEDIA RELEASE: 21 December, 2011

As the state's road toll hovers just above last year's figure and with Christmas four days away, the TAC today issued its final road safety warning to Victorian families.

The 21st – 31st December has historically been a tragic time on our roads, with 58 people dying in that period over the past five years.

On average, about 11 Victorians are killed on the roads in the last ten days of the year.

In timing with the Christmas break the TAC has released a new print advertisement reminding all road users of the consequences of risk-taking over the holiday season.

TAC Chief Executive Officer, Janet Dore, said there were simple steps everyone could take to avoid tragedies this Christmas.

"It's the time of year when the state moves into party mode, and while we encourage everyone to have a great time, we want you to do it safely," Ms Dore said.

"Before the Christmas party starts you can take some simple measures to ensure you will be around to do it all again next year."

The following steps are recommended for Victorians heading to parties in the next 10 days:

• Organise a lift home with a friend or family member who isn't drinking alcohol.
• Plan your trip home with public transport, or catch a taxi. 
• If you are on a long trip, take a break or swap drivers if you are feeling tired. 
• If you are driving, remember that your BAC can rise after you have stopped drinking.
• Drive to the conditions, and stick within the speed limit.

"Our advice is that if you are planning on drinking alcohol, leave your keys at home and choose a safer option because in the end, it could mean the difference between life and death."

Ms Dore said that while there was still hope of Victoria achieving a fourth-consecutive record-low road toll, unless driver attitudes improved road deaths would continue to occur.

"Overall, our road toll is trending downwards but we know the next 10 days can be deadly, and there is no time for complacency," she said.

"The best Christmas present you can give your family this year is to drive safely, take a break if you're tired, stick to the speed limit and don't drink and drive."

In addition to its ‘Bloody Idiot' drink-drive campaign, a police enforcement campaign launched in November, designated driver gift vouchers, and the Facebook-driven Slow Ball Challenge the TAC will continue to target motorists on social media, in print advertising and on radio

For more information contact the TAC's Sarah Henderson on 0429 294 262.