New campaign asks us to 'Be the Reason they get home safe'

Published date: 15 Nov 2021

The Victorian Government has today launched a new campaign to remind drivers of the increased risks they will face as more people get on the road with Covid restrictions easing.

With Victorians now able to travel anywhere in the state, many people will be driving at higher speeds, over long distances and in unfamiliar territory for the first time in a long time.

Victorians have made enormous sacrifices over the past 18 months to protect their health, and the health of their love ones and the broader community. Now, as the state opens up, we need that care and discipline to translate to the way we use our roads.

That need to use the care and discipline we have shown over the last 18 months is behind the TAC’s new campaign, ‘Be the reason they get home safe’. The campaign’s message is that is up to everyone one of us to keep our roads safe – for ourselves, our families and for every other person using our roads.

Already the number of lives lost this year (207) is currently nine per cent higher than the same time last year (188).

With police reporting an increase in speeding offences and collisions involving drink driving, the potential for deteriorated driving skills and more people out on bicycles and walking, authorities are pleading with Victorians to play their part in keeping our roads safe.

The campaign will run in the lead-up to Christmas and over summer as we see more people taking road trips, visiting family and friends and heading to events.

This campaign is part of the Government’s Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, which aims to halve road deaths by 2030 and put us on a strong path to eliminate all road deaths by 2050.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads Ben Carroll

“We are urging everyone to be extra vigilant when they hit the road as restrictions continue to ease across the state.”

“The message couldn’t be clearer – plan ahead, slow down, don’t drink or drug drive, put your phone away & make safe choices.”

Quotes attributable to Transport Accident Commission CEO Joe Calafiore:

“It’s a great thing we can now take road trips to see family and friends and attend events - the important thing is we all get there safely.

“Our campaign is reminding every single Victorian driver that their choices can be the reason behind keeping our roads safe.”