Driver distraction is no laughing matter

Published date: 30 Apr 2026

The dangers of driving while using a mobile phone will be in the spotlight across Victoria, as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Regional Roadshow, supported by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).

From 26 April to 12 July, the Roadshow will travel through 29 towns across the state, delivering driver distraction messaging in each location, and an expanded TAC presence in Bendigo, Warrnambool, Shepparton and Traralgon. The partnership brings road safety directly to regional audiences in a way that is memorable, unexpected and highlights how even a brief moment of distraction can have serious consequences.

Each festival show location will feature an interactive road safety education lightbox mural with hidden elements for audiences to find. In venue posters, decals and QR codes will encourage people to take part in a short road safety survey and learn about the dangers of distraction.

Regional town centres are some of the busiest shared spaces in Victoria, with drivers, pedestrians and cyclists moving in close proximity. The TAC is reminding everyone to stay alert and avoid distractions, whether they are behind the wheel, crossing the street or simply navigating a crowded footpath.

So far this year, there have been 80 road deaths in Victoria, with more than 60 percent occurring on regional roads. Driver distraction contributes to around seven per cent of fatalities on Victorian roads and the use of hand-held devices such as mobile phones is one of the main causes of distraction.

At 50 km/h, the typical speed through many regional town centres, taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds means travelling around 28 metres without full attention. On higher speed regional roads, that distance increases rapidly, leaving even less time to react.

The TAC is urging all Victorians to play their part in keeping roads safe by putting their phones away, staying alert, and looking out for others.

Quotes attributable to TAC Head of Community, Hannah Meredith

“As the Comedy Festival Roadshow travels across regional Victoria, we are reminding locals to look up, stay focused and be present when they are on or near the road.”

“Regional Victorians face challenges such as higher travel speeds, longer distances and more complex road environments. These factors mean that when crashes occur, the consequences can be severe.”

Quotes attributable to Festival Director, Dylan Cole

“We are proud to bring the Comedy Festival Roadshow to communities right across regional Victoria, and to continue our partnership with the TAC.”

“The Roadshow is all about connecting with local audiences, and this partnership helps us share an important message while we do it.”

“Messaging will also be pushed out across the state via an online content series, highlighting the messaging ‘a lot can happen in two seconds’, involving comedians from the Roadshow, and encouraging Victorians to go phone free on our roads.”