New TAC data prompts safety reminder for road trippers

23 Apr 2013

Newly-released Transport Accident Commission data has prompted a reminder to Victorians planning a road trip this weekend to take a trip online first.

While the state's road toll has steadily declined in recent years, accepted TAC claims, including fatalities and injuries, have risen almost 3 per cent in Victoria from 2010/11 to 2011/12.

The statistics show the southern metropolitan area had the highest number of claims last financial year (2,895), but was the only area to see a decrease from 2010/11.

The northern metropolitan area saw the biggest increase in claims of around 13.5 per cent (please see full data set overleaf).

TAC Chief Executive Officer Janet Dore said the statistics were a reminder of the impact road trauma has beyond the road toll figures.

"With more vehicles expected to be on the road than usual due to the ANZAC Day public holiday, these figures are a timely reminder to keep safe on the roads," Ms Dore said.

"But the numbers don't tell the full story - I encourage everyone planning a road trip this weekend to take a virtual online trip with their best friend first at roadtripforever.com – a powerful reminder of the consequences of speeding and distractions," Ms Dore said.

Roadtrip Forever is an immersive online video experience, integrating the user and their best friend's Facebook profiles, to send a deeply personalized message.

"More than 70,000 people have been to roadtripforever.com.au – now is a good time to join them on the trip," Ms Dore said.

"Although improvements to vehicle safety and our roads have helped reduce fatalities, we still have a way to go until we can protect people from serious harm should a crash occur.

"Whether we are a driver, passenger, rider, cyclist or pedestrian, we all have a role to play in keeping ourselves and others on the roads safe," Ms Dore said.

The message is simple: please drive to the speed limit and the conditions, don't be tempted by distractions and avoid driving impaired by alcohol, drugs or fatigue.

For further information please contact Nick Price on 5225 7738.

Increasing community awareness of the dangers of speed and distractions are priority actions in Victoria's new 10-year Road Safety Strategy. To view the Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan visit roadsafety.vic.gov.au.

TAC accepted no fault claims by financial year and region: