Hundreds gather in Melbourne to shine a light on road safety

Published date: 06 May 2024

More than 700 Victorians impacted by road trauma gathered at Melbourne’s Albert Park to honour loved ones lost and injured on the roads.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Melissa Horne, joined the Transport Accident Commission and Victoria Police at Amber Community’s 11^thShine a Light on Road Safety walk around Albert Park Lake.

The annual five-kilometre walk kicks off Amber Community’s month-long Shine a Light on Road Safety fundraising and awareness campaign, and also marks the beginning of National Road Safety Week.

Iconic Melbourne landmarks will be illuminated in yellow throughout the week in memory and support of those who have been impacted by road trauma, and motorists are encouraged to switch their headlights on while driving on Friday to show their commitment to road safety.

The Bolte Bridge, CityLink Sound Tube, Box Hill Town Hall and 101 Collins Street will be illuminated from tonight, while Melbourne Town Hall and Flinders Street Station will also light up at different stages during the week.

It comes as the number deaths on Victorian roads in 2024 remains tragically high – with 97 people losing their lives so far this year. Of the fatalities, 60 have occurred on regional roads and 37 in metro areas.

The Victorian Government is working with the Federal Government to roll out vital safety upgrades across nearly 200 sites and routes across the state as part of a $457 million Road Safety Program.

Amber Community, which is supported by the TAC, provides counselling and support services to more than 3000 Victorians affected by road trauma, while reaching more than 5000 people through community-based road safety education programs.

This National Road Safety Week, Victorians are being urged to support a culture where safety comes first when using the roads, with a focus on removing distractions, driving safer vehicles, and not risking lives by speeding or drink and drug driving.

For further information on the Shine a Light on Road Safety campaign and how to get involved, visit the Amber Community website.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne

"Every life lost on our roads is one too many and as we come into National Road Safety Week, I urge everyone to take extra care behind the wheel so Victorians can get back home to their families safely.”

Quotes attributable to Transport Accident Commission CEO, Tracey Slatter:

“No one should have their life impacted by road trauma and the TAC is proud to support Shine a Light on Road Safety, and National Road Safety Week, to inspire Victorians to look out for each other and drive safely.”

Quote attributable to Amber Community CEO, Bernadette Nugent:

“Every life is precious, and every serious injury is avoidable – we unite to challenge complacency about road safety, and aim is to make a difference in reducing the impact that road trauma has on our community.”