YOUNG PEOPLE GET CAR CRASH REALITY CHECK

28 Oct 2008

Media Release - Tuesday, 28 October, 2008

Young Victorians will be shown the shocking reality of car crashes and the importance of road safety at a unique display at Federation Square this week. 

Premier John Brumby launched the exhibition of two actual crashed vehicles which will also features stories from road trauma victims and police.

“The Car Crash Reality Check should shock young people into realising the consequences of car crashes,” Mr Brumby said.

“Young drivers need to get the message that risky driving can have devastating consequences with car crashes the leading cause of death for people aged between 18 and 25. 

“24 per cent of drivers killed on our roads are aged between 18 and 25 years yet this age group only represents 14 per cent of Victorian licence holders.”

The display has been organised by the Transport Accident Commission, Victoria Police and the Road Trauma Support Team Victoria to show the reality of what a major road accident looks like.

The TAC will have an ‘iPledge’ booth set up to encourage young road users to make a commitment to road safety and Victoria Police officers will be on hand to discuss how collisions are investigated and how they impact on communities.

TAC Minister Tim Holding said the new exhibition was part of a range of initiatives designed to save an extra 100 lives on our roads each year by 2017 with a strong focus on young drivers.

“The Brumby Government has been implementing a new licensing system that focuses on the key causes of crashes involving young people – inexperience, speed, alcohol, driving at night and driver distractions,” Mr Holding said. 

“These new laws are aimed at lowering the crash statistics involving young people. It is expected that our Graduated Licensing System will reduce the number of people injured in crashes by up to 800 each year, including 12 fewer deaths.”

Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Ken Lay said young people might not have seen a crashed car before, but it was a sight seen by police officers all too often.

“Police and other emergency services have the distressing task of attending car crashes and dealing with the families and friends left behind,” Mr Lay said.

“The Car Crash Reality Check will show the community the reality of what a major road collision looks like and reinforce the need for all motorists to drive responsibly.”

The 2008 road toll at midnight on 27 October 2008 stood at 255, compared with 260 at the same time last year.