Subsidy for unsafe to safe

Up to 150 young regional Victorians will receive a $5,000 subsidy from the State Government, to replace their old car with a newer, safer model.

The unsafe2safe trial has entered its second phase, inviting regional Victorians from the ages of 18 to 25 to apply for the subsidy, to purchase a vehicle with new safety features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist.

Applicants must be the registered owner of a vehicle that is 16 years old or older, that has an ANCAP safety rating of 1 or 2 stars, or is unrated. The applicant must also hold a Victorian driver licence.

The program is aimed at young drivers given they are at the greatest risk of being involved in a crash. Young regional Victorians driving older cars in particular are 15 times more likely to be killed in a car crash, compared to the state average.

Member for Melton, Steve McGhie, said it was great to have Moorabool drivers eligible for this phase of the program.

“Young drivers across the Moorabool region can now apply to take part in the unsafe2safe trial and head out on the roads more safely,” Mr McGhie said.

“This program is critical to ensuring young drivers right across Moorabool can purchase a vehicle that will not only prevent serious road accidents, but more importantly, save their life.”

Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll, said the statistics made it clear why unsafe2safe was such an important program.

“Around 70 per cent of people who have lost their lives on our roads were in vehicles more than ten years old, and being in a safer vehicle can make the difference between ending up in hospital or avoiding a crash altogether,” Mr Carroll said.

“We know that cost is a real barrier for many young Victorians when it comes to choosing a safe and modern car – that is why this program is critical in ensuring they pick a vehicle with features that could ultimately save their life.”

For more information on eligibility and to apply for the unsafe2safe trial, visit engage.vic.gov.au/unsafe2safe.

Expressions of interest can be submitted until 4 September 2022.