Paramedics ask Ballarat drivers to sign up for safety

14 Oct 2003

Media Release - 14 October 2003

Official spotters today encouraged Ballarat drivers to register with Drive Right 2 while there was still time and to play a part in reducing trauma on country roads.

Paul Bird, spokesman for Rural Ambulance Victoria said that all the emergency services heavily endorsed the TAC program and were keen to support an initiative that recognised and rewarded safe driving.

"Paramedics are regularly confronted with the devastating effects of road crashes," Mr Bird said.

"Being involved as official spotters in a program that promotes and rewards responsible driving provides us with a welcome change."

This year nearly 5,000 drivers have already registered in the Central Highlands representing 13% of the overall registrations for country Victoria.

Mr Bird said that he believed that there was the potential for this figure to be much higher.

"People around Ballarat are generally supportive of road safety initiatives and so I certainly anticipate seeing more registered cars on the streets in the coming weeks," he said.

Throughout the program, local Ambulance Officers, Victoria Police and Fire Brigade Officers are on the look out- in the streets in and around Ballarat - for cars displaying Drive Right 2 stickers.

If the driver exhibits safe and courteous driving, their registration number is then recorded and entered into the draw for one of five Renault Meganes.

The Megane was recently given a 5 star safety rating in European crash tests and awarded 2003 European car of the year.

All motorists spotted driving safely and courteously will receive a 'thank you pack' that includes a car first aid kit and a letter of commendation.

On Friday, 7 November 2003, all registered Drive Right 2 participants will also be entered into a registration draw to win a Registration Pack valued at over $4000.

Registrations close at the end of October.

Victoria's road toll currently stands at 260, down from 309 for the same period in 2002 (a decrease of 16%).

For further information:

Contact Georgina Lyell (TAC)
Tel: 1300 654 329