Plea for safe driving as Victoria heads for lowest ever road toll

23 Dec 2008

MEDIA RELEASE: 23 December 2008

The Transport Accident Commission has called on Victorian motorists to take extra care this Christmas as the state heads for its lowest ever road toll.

Victoria’s lowest recorded road toll was in 2003, with a loss of 330 lives.

The TAC’s Executive Manager of Community Relations, Phil Reed, said 298 lives had been lost on our roads this year.

“That’s 298 too many,” Mr Reed said.

“This figure doesn’t take into account the hidden road toll – the many people injured on our roads every day.”

Every 12 months, the TAC accepts around 16,000 no-fault claims. Of these, around 3,000 people spend more than a day in hospital in the week following the accident.

“Last year there were 7,870 serious injuries reported to police - these people become clients of the TAC and in many cases, need support for life,” Mr Reed said.

“This hidden road toll is another reason for Victorian drivers to take extra care on the road this Christmas.”

The Christmas holiday season can be a dangerous time on the roads. The mix of celebration and alcohol and people travelling longer distances more frequently, adds to the risk of crashing.

“Motorists can help make the roads safer, by travelling within the speed limit, not driving after drinking or taking drugs, wearing a seatbelt and not driving when tired,” Mr Reed said.

“If you are taking off for a long trip, give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination, so you can stick to the speed limit and take regular breaks.”

Mr Reed said extra police were on the roads this festive season as part of the largest traffic operation in the state’s history.

“They will catch you before someone gets hurt,” Mr Reed said.

“It’s up to Victorian motorists to drive safely and reduce the deaths on our roads this year,” Mr Reed said.

For further information contact:
Emily Bogue, Communications and Media Adviser, 0429 416 778