Oh Brother, When Will You Learn?

16 Dec 2010

MEDIA RELEASE: 16th December 2010

Fathers, brothers, sons and uncles are most at risk of not being around to celebrate this Christmas with the latest Transport Accident Commission (TAC) statistics showing that some male motorists are failing to adhere to road safety messages.

So far this year 217 male motorists have died on our roads, compared to 184 at the same time last year.

Meanwhile, most women appear to be responding to the road safety message, with 29 less female motorists dying this year (58) compared to the same time last year (87) – with this year's figure also significantly lower than the five-year average of 86.

The alarming statistics have sparked the TAC to plead with male drivers and riders to slow down and take care on the roads, particularly in the lead up to Christmas.

TAC Senior Manager, Road Safety and Marketing John Thompson said there was no time like the present for Victorian men to change their attitude toward safer driving and riding.

"The reality is, that if male road users were performing as well on the roads as females are, our road toll would be much lower," Mr Thompson said.

"Victorian men really need to take a leaf out of their female counterparts' book and act more responsibly."

Mr Thompson said that for the past 20 years the TAC has targeted its road safety campaigns at young males in an attempt to address their continued over representation in road trauma. 

"We reach out and engage with young men in particular through our ongoing partnership with the TAC Cup competition, the Formula One Grand Prix and Moto GP, and specific advertisements such as the recent Ripple Effect /Everybody Hurts When You Speed campaign," he said.

TAC research suggests the spike in male deaths could be due to men being more likely to speed and take risks.

"Men admit to speeding more than women, and we know that speed is the biggest killer on our roads, so there is no denying there could be a link between those factors," Mr Thompson said.

"At the end of the day, we cannot drive the car or ride the motorbike for you, and everyone needs to be aware of the consequences of risk-taking behaviour."

The age-group breakdown of males and females who have been killed on the road this year is:

• 17 and under: 15 boys, 3 girls. 
• 18-20: 27 males, 4 females.
• 21-25: 33 males, 4 females.
• 26-29: 21 males, 6 females.
• 30-39: 31 males, 6 females.
• 40-49: 20 males, 11 females.
• 50-59: 26 males, 8 females.
• 60-69: 18 males, 4 females.
• 70+: 26 males, 12 females.

The state's 2010 road toll was yesterday amended to 275, and with 15 days until the end of the year, Mr Thompson said Victoria could still achieve a record low if everyone used the road responsibly.

"The only person who is in complete control over making sure you get to your destination safely is you."

For further information please contact: Sarah Campbell on 0429 294 262.