Vanessa and Meredith A Dynamic Duo

10 Dec 2010

MEDIA RELEASE: 10 December 2010

Meredith Music Festival fans are urged to pay an old friend a visit this weekend by scheduling a stop at Vanessa, the Transport Accident Commission's (TAC) chill out bus, who will be using her new look and free offers to ensure every music lover gets home safely.

Vanessa, a converted booze bus, will travel to Meredith today to provide the crowd with a place to chill out, sober-up and take a breath test before they plan their journey home.

The TAC's head of Community Relations, Phil Reed said Vanessa is the best friend you could ask for at a festival, and since the day she hit the road, she has been helping people relax and party safely.

"Vanessa has been made-over especially for this year's festival scene and everyone on the festival circuit should make the most of the free activities on offer," Mr. Reed said.

The big orange bus offers breezy tunes, comfy couches, free water and coffee and the chance to check out the winning ‘Make a Film, Make a Difference' short films on big screens.

The TAC launched Vanessa five years ago in a bid to promote road safety to young people.

"Vanessa carries the message ‘your mate's life is in your hands' so young people can hear the road safety message in a familiar environment," Mr. Reed said.

Almost a quarter (23 per cent) of all deaths on the state's roads last year were people aged 18 to 25, despite that age group only accounting for 13 per cent of all Victorian licence holders.

"We encourage everyone to get out and have a great time at Meredith this weekend, but more importantly we want everyone to get home safely, so they can come back for more next year," Mr. Reed said.

"If you're unsure whether you are safe to drive, or if you just need some time out before departing, call in and see Vanessa."

In addition, the TAC has the following tips for festival goers to stay safe this weekend:

• Eat regularly if you are planning to drink alcohol
• Alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic ones
• Don't drive if you're unsure about your BAC levels- test yourself first at a free TAC breathalyser station
• Remember that your BAC can rise after you have stopped drinking
• Drinking the night before can affect your BAC the next day
• Avoid the confusion and leave the car at home.

Following Meredith, Vanessa will head to more big-name events such as Falls Festival, Solar Festival the Big Day Out and more.

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