Regional Drivers Talking the Toll Down

05 Sep 2012

MEDIA RELEASE: 5 September, 2012

Rural and regional road deaths have reduced by six per cent compared to last year, the latest Transport Accident Commission (TAC) statistics show.

There have been 102 fatalities on regional and rural roads this year so far, seven down on the same time last year and two less than the five-year average.

TAC CEO Janet Dore said while a reduction in regional fatalities was pleasing, Victoria's regional roads would become busier in coming months and motorists should take extra care.

"We're just a few weeks away from school holidays which means more families are on the roads and in some instances driving longer distances than they normally would," Ms Dore said.

"Now more than ever we need all Victorians – particularly those in regional and rural areas – to be vigilant on the roads."

A breakdown of the 102 regional fatalities, year to date, is as follows:

• 71 men and 30 females have been killed (one death is yet to be confirmed)
• 67 drivers have been killed, 15 motorcyclists, 12 passengers, six pedestrians and two cyclists.
• Most fatal crashes have occurred on weekends, with 17 fatalities on Saturdays and 24 on Sundays.
• Older road users are more highly represented in fatalities than younger drivers in regional areas, with 58 people aged 40+ killed, compared with 44 people aged 39 and under. 

A breakdown of localised road trauma statistics can be found online here 

"What these statistics prove is that road trauma does not discriminate," Ms Dore said.

"Anyone, of any age, can be touched by the road toll and it's up to all of us to put an end to tragic deaths on Victorian roads."

The TAC released the regional statistics in timing with the State Government's announcement of a Ministerial Council for Road Safety in Ballarat today.

All Victorians have been urged to have their say on road safety issues via the Road Safety Survey, available online at www.roadsafety.vic.gov.au

"We urge all Victorians to take part in the survey to ensure we can together plan for a safer future on our roads," Ms Dore said.

"The road toll is a problem the entire community owns and we all need to do our best to keep our roads safe".