Female Death Spike Prompts TAC Warning

22 Jun 2011

MEDIA RELEASE: 22 June 2011

A 28 per cent increase in female fatalities this year has sparked a Transport Accident Commission (TAC) call for female road users to take extra care.

Despite Victoria recording record-low road tolls for the past three years, and this year's toll on par with last year, 37 women have been killed on Victorian roads so far.

Male deaths, which normally account for the majority of fatalities, have decreased six per cent - down to 108 from 114. Victoria’s road toll now stands at 145 compared to 143 last year.

TAC Chief Executive Officer, Janet Dore, said the spike in female road deaths was concerning and encouraged women to be more vigilant on the roads.

"As we approach the half way mark of the year we need to analyse the data to find out where the problem areas are," Ms Dore said.

"There are a range of factors that could explain the increase in female deaths, and one particularly worrying trend is the increase in passenger and pedestrian fatalities.

"The role of a passenger is incredibly important in road safety – it is up to you to ensure your driver is concentrating at all times, and if they are tired, offer to swap drivers or suggest a break."

"A 28 per cent increase in deaths is simply unacceptable."

"The TAC, Victoria Police, Vic Roads and the State Government are working hard to make our roads safer, but this is a problem the entire community needs to own, and act on."

The breakdown of the 37 female road fatalities this year is as follows:

Drivers: 14
Passengers: 13
Pedestrians: 8
Bicyclists: 1
Motorcyclists: 1 (pillion passenger).

Female fatalities are spread evenly across the state, with 20 deaths on roads outside of Melbourne, and 17 in the metropolitan area.

Twenty-four of the 35 killed are females aged over 40, and 26 fatalities have occurred during the hours of 8am and 8pm.

 "As we approach the half-way point of the year, we urge all Victorians to re-think their driver behaviour, because one simple mistake or one minor lapse in concentration could be deadly.

"And, regardless of your gender, the basic principles of safe driving apply to everyone.

"Stick to the speed limit, stop for a rest when you are tired and if you are going out for a drink, catch a taxi home or nominate a friend to be your designated driver.

"Every road death is preventable."

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