TAC calls for caution on rural roads

08 Jan 2009

MEDIA RELEASE: 8 January 2009

The Transport Accident Commission is calling for a dramatic change in attitudes after an alarming number of deaths on rural roads in 2009.

The TAC’s Executive Manager of Community Relations Phil Reed said that just one week into the New Year there had been eleven deaths on Victoria’s roads, with only 3 of those in the metropolitan area.

“It’s alarming that eight people have died on regional Victorian roads in the first eight days of the year,” Mr Reed said.

“In 2008, country Victoria recorded its lowest road toll ever.”

“Yet already in 2009, eight families have lost a loved one on regional roads.”

“This sad start to 2009 is a clear message to all drivers to take extra care on country roads.”

More than half of Victoria’s road deaths happen in regional Victoria, even though only a third of the state’s population lives outside the metropolitan area.

“Speed and fatigue are the main causes of crashes on rural roads and the TAC calls on all drivers, whether local or on holidays, to take extra care.”

The latest TAC research shows that 78 per cent of non-metropolitan residents acknowledge that speeding increases the chance of a crash.

This same group also acknowledges that driving while tired is potentially as dangerous as drink driving.

“All Victorian drivers using regional roads need to take extra care when driving long distances, on unfamiliar regional roads or on smaller local roads,” Mr Reed said.

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