Regional Roads Deadly: Motorists Receive Final Christmas Warning

23 Dec 2010

MEDIA RELEASE: 23 December 2010

A 25 per cent increase in deaths on roads outside of Melbourne this year has prompted the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) to send one final plea to regional and rural motorists:  change your attitude to road safety immediately or face tragic consequences this Christmas.

The TAC figures released today show there has been a significant increase in fatalities in Warrnambool, Central Goldfields, Mildura, Geelong, the Surf Coast and Swan Hill.

Local Government Areas of Bendigo, Baw Baw, and Moorabool have also seen spikes in road deaths.

Of the 279 fatalities across the state this year, 178 of them have occurred on roads outside of Melbourne, up from 142 at this time last year.

Metropolitan road deaths have decreased from 151 to 140.

The following is a breakdown of the fatalities in those areas compared to this time last year:

• Warrnambool: 7 deaths so far in 2010 compared to 3 in 2009 for an increase of 133%.
• Central Goldfields: 5 compared to 0 for an increase of 500%.
• Mildura: 6 compared to 2 for an increase of 200%.
• Geelong: 14 compared to 8 for an increase of 75%.
• Surf Coast: 5 compared to 2 for an increase of 150%.
• Swan Hill: 7 compared to 3 for an increase of 133%.
• Bendigo: 13 compared to 8 for an increase of 63%.
• Baw Baw: 10 compared to 6 for an increase of 67%.
• Moorabool: 8 compared to 5 for an increase of 60 %.

Fatality rates in Ballarat, Campaspe, Northern Grampians, and Shepparton have decreased.

TAC Road Safety and Marketing Senior Manager, John Thompson, said motorists preparing to travel on regional roads this Christmas and over the school holidays need to understand the dangers associated with speeding, driving while fatigued, and drink driving.

"If you are planning a long trip, remember to swap drivers, take regular breaks and drive to the conditions," Mr Thompson said.

"These are not just country people dying on country roads, Melburnians need to be aware of the differences of using rural roads compared to city streets. They can be extremely different."

"At this time of year, people are often driving or riding on unfamiliar roads as they visit family and friends, so you need to take extra care."

Norm Robinson, whose son Luke died on a regional road near Geelong earlier this year, joined the TAC today urging all motorists to slow down.

"We would give anything to have Luke back with us celebrating Christmas this year, and I would not want any family to go through what we have this year," Mr Robinson said. 

"It's up to us as a community to slow down. The TAC and Victoria Police can only do so much � ultimately we're the only ones who have complete control over the way we drive."

For further information please contact: Amanda Bavin on 0439 567 249.