World first program rewards Victoria's safe drivers

13 Mar 2003

Media release - 13 March 2003

The world-first TAC Drive Right program was an outstanding success, with more than 150,000 Victorians making a public commitment to safe and courteous driving, Transport Accident Commission Minister Rob Hulls announced today.

Mr Hulls said the high response rate was a strong sign that offering incentives for safe driving had gained the community's stamp of approval.

"More importantly, feedback from the TAC Drive Right program participants has shown that being involved in the program has made them think more about their driving behaviour and take extra care on the roads," Mr Hulls said.

"More than 80% of participants surveyed said the program made them 'a more careful driver' and three quarters felt that they 'pay attention to their speed now'.

"This is an important step in continuing to build a culture of safety and courtesy on our roads and achieving the government's target of reducing Victoria's road toll by 20% by 2007."

Mr Hulls said Police and Ambulance officers had spotted more than 10,000 TAC Drive Right program participants between November and February to be rewarded with a 'thank you' letter and discount voucher pack for safe and courteous driving.

He also congratulated the five major TAC Drive Right program rewardees – Alene King (Frankston South), Christine Thorne (East Bentleigh), Stephen Stafford (Healesville), Mark Harris (Bendigo) and Bruce Mawdsley (Maryborough) – and presented each with the keys to a brand new Ford car.

One of the delighted rewardees, father-of-eight Mark Harris, said he had registered for the program because he saw it as an opportunity to make the road safer and perhaps pick up a prize.

"I think it's a great idea – I always try my best to drive right, so entering the program meant that I stood a good chance of getting rewarded for it," Mr Harris said.

Based on the success of the first TAC Drive Right program, Mr Hulls announced that the TAC was planning to run a further program later this year.

"While the first program has concluded, I would encourage every Victorian motorist to continue to drive with the high levels of courtesy and safety maintained throughout the TAC Drive Right program," Mr Hulls said.

Victoria's road toll currently stands at 74, down from 78 (a decrease of 5%) for the same period last year.

Further information:

Joel Deane
Tel: 9651 5799