TAC Calls on Youth to Address Party in the Car Problem

14 Apr 2011

MEDIA RELEASE: 14 April 2011

Following a tragic night on the state's roads the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is calling on young Victorians to help them address the dangers of the ‘party in the car' mentality through a short film competition.

A learner driver was caught with 9 passengers in an unregistered car on the Mornington Peninsula last night, and earlier this morning a 20 year old passenger was killed in a crash in Glen Waverley.

The TAC's Make a Film Make a Difference (MAFMAD) competition has opened today and will support two young Victorians to create a short film about looking after their mates on the road.

Budding filmmakers aged up to 25 years old have until 20 June to submit their ideas on the 2011 theme, Party in the Car.
 
The TAC's Acting Head of Community Relations, Joe Calafiore, said when several young people travelled together, especially at night on their way out, the dynamics in the car were often similar to a party.

"Multiple passengers significantly increase the risk of an inexperienced driver crashing. They are a dangerous distraction, especially when alcohol-affected," Mr Calafiore said.

"Last night's events drive home the importance of this competition.

"MAFMAD empowers young people to speak up, make a difference and address this serious issue that unnecessarily places so many young lives at risk."

"Peer passengers can potentially encourage risk-taking behaviour – and the more passengers in a crash, the greater the chance of someone being killed or injured."

This year the TAC will be again use social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, to further promote the competition and their messages. Past films can be viewed online at www.youtube.com/tac

Despite representing just 14 % of all license holders, in Victoria last year 70 of the 287 fatalities were road users aged 18-25.

"We're looking for ideas for short films that are creative, credible and above all not preachy."

The best two short film ideas will receive a $20,000 production budget and the help of mentors to produce their film, plus $5,000 prize money.

The winning films will be shown across movie screens and at music festivals next summer.

Find out more about how to enter at www.mafmad.com.au.

For more information contact the TAC's Sarah Henderson on 0429294262 or Amanda Bavin on 0439 567 249.