TAC launches campaigns as road toll spikes

THE Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has launched overlapping campaigns to improve road safety as this year’s Victorian road toll to date surpasses the total for the whole of 2022.

There have been 259 lives lost in the calendar year to midnight of Monday this week, nearly 20 per cent higher than the 217 lives lost at the same point in 2022 and well over the 240 lives lost across the full year.

Locally, across the Barwon South West region, 26 people have been killed on the roads as of Monday last week, one higher than the same period in 2022 but with six weeks left in the year.

The City of Greater Geelong accounted for the most deaths with nine, followed by the Shire of Southern Grampians with six.

In a positive trend, there have been no lives lost in the Colac Otway Shire so far in 2023, compared to five in the year to date in 2022.

In response to the rise in the toll, the TAC’s new road safety campaign is directly targeting Victorian traffic offenders in an effort to educate drivers on the real cost of risky behaviours to themselves and the community.

In the “Dear Driver campaign”, the TAC has collaborated with Fines and Enforcement Services, Department of Justice and Community Safety and Victoria Police to focus on offenders caught speeding, running a red light, and illegally using a device while driving.

Offenders who receive an infringement notice will now find a letter written by a Victorian first responder, reflecting on his first-hand experience with road trauma – a reminder that while a hefty penalty may feel harsh, the circumstances could have been much worse.

TAC chief executive officer Tracey Slatter said the campaign was an opportunity to communicate directly with the more than 7,000 Victorians issued with driving infringement notices each day.

“Dear Driver is a bold initiative, speaking directly to those who need our message most.” Through empathy and real-life stories, we hope to ignite a change in behaviour and pave the way to safer roads.

“This campaign is a call to all drivers to reflect on their actions, change their behaviour, and take an active role in driving down road trauma on Victorian roads.”

Heading into summer and the festival season, the TAC and ALWAYS LIVE have also launched the “Ultimate Road Crew” competition on the look-out for the unsung heroes of friendship groups, who get everyone home safely at the end of the day. Supported by Australian musicians Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Budjerah, Ultimate Road Crew promotes the various roles people can play in ensuring they and those around them get home safely, such as the designated driver, the public transport planner, or the friend who offers their couch as an alternative to driving home.

Those who enter are in the running for a wide range of prizes, including dozens of rideshare and travel vouchers, and a major prize pack valued at $4,000.

For more information, head to roadcrew.alwayslive.com.au