Hand out a Yellow CardTM to save lives on Victorian roads

16 Jan 2009

MEDIA RELEASE: 16 January, 2009

Young Victorians have been urged to yellow card other road users to ask them to stop their dangerous driving before it is too late.

Acting Premier Rob Hulls kicked off the YellowCard campaign today at the Telstra Dome with Melbourne Victory Coach Ernie Merrick.

“Many Victorians know someone who drives dangerously on our roads,” Mr Hulls said.

“This campaign allows them to send a message and hopefully help the driver stay safe on the road.”

After filling in the addressee’s name, the type of car they drive, the inappropriate driving behaviour that they have been displaying and the potential penalty they may incur, they receive a personalised video message via email.

Mr Hulls said the campaign allowed friends to remind their mates about the consequences of ignoring the road rules.

“This is a new way to get the message across.  Rather than the Government or the police telling people how to drive, YellowCard lets people tell their friends that they are disappointed with their dangerous driving,” Mr Hulls said.

Young Victorians aged 17 to 25 represent a quarter of the road toll, despite representing only about 14 per cent of the population.

Mr Hulls said the culture of risk taking among young drivers meant many young Victorians were putting themselves and their friends at great risk.

“Recent TAC research shows that people aged 18 to 25 are less likely to tell a close friend not to drink drive than older drivers,” Mr Hulls said.

“YellowCard aims to turn this trend around and tell their friends to be safe on the roads.”

Mr Merrick said the campaign would give drivers a clear warning and a chance to change their driving.

“No-one likes getting a yellow card for not following the rules.  But it is much better to get a warning than to pay the greatest penalty,” Mr Merrick said.

Send a YellowCard at http://yellowcard.tv

Five Victorians aged 17 to 25 have been killed on Victorian roads so far this year compared to four at this time last year.

Media contact:
Meaghan Shaw on 0409 536 652 or Matt Nurse on 0407 351 277