A new age for Towards Zero Media Awards

17 Aug 2016

The Transport Accident Commission has recognised the state's best road safety reporting and road safety projects at the Towards Zero Road Safety and Media Awards.

TAC acting chief executive officer Bruce Crossett said the Media Awards recognised excellence in reporting road safety issues.

“The Towards Zero Media Awards highlight the important role media plays in helping the community understand our vision for a future free of deaths and serious injuries on our roads,” Mr Crossett said.

The Age dominated the awards taking out Best Media Outlet for Towards Zero Reporting with journalist Adam Carey winning an award for Best Metropolitan Story.

Geelong Advertiser’s Erin Pearson was awarded Best Regional Story and the Gippsland Times was highly commended in the category.

The Riverine Herald was highly commended in the Best Media Outlet for Towards Zero Reporting.

Awards were presented by TAC chairman John Walter, as part of the Towards Zero Road Safety Leadership Symposium, where Victoria's leaders gathered to discuss the important role they play in reducing road trauma in the community.

Mr Crossett said organisations were recognised for implementing the most effective road safety projects in Victoria with the Towards Zero Road Safety Awards.

“The Road Safety awards recognise excellence in leadership in Victoria’s Towards Zero push for Safe Roads, Safe Speeds, Safe Vehicles and Safe People,” Mr Crossett said.

VicRoads’ Project Teams took home winning entries for the Safer Roads, Safer Speeds and Safer Vehicles Awards.

Community Roadsafe Mildura won the Safer People Award for their public campaign to reduce mobile phone use while driving. "Towards Zero is an ambitious target but we've got to be ambitious if we are going to stop lives being lost on our roads,” Mr Crossett said.

“Everyone has an important role to play in reducing road trauma and we’re thrilled to be able to acknowledge the organisations and journalists who are taking on that responsibility.”

The 2016 Towards Zero Road Safety and Media Award winners are: