New campaign urges parents and new drivers to ‘get through the red together’

12 Nov 2013

Disturbing crash statistics showing Victorian P-platers are 30 times more likely to be involved in a crash has prompted the latest youth road safety campaign – 'Get through the red together'.

Launching the campaign today, Minister for Roads Terry Mulder said for the first time the Victorian Coalition Government is aiming to educate parents of newly licensed drivers.

"Road safety is a mindset that starts at home," Mr Mulder said.

"The campaign encourages parents to 'get through the red together' and stay involved in the first six months of their child driving solo.

"'Getting through the red' refers to young drivers' first year of red P-plates. During this year, the first six months are the most dangerous, when young drivers are at their highest risk of having a crash."

Assistant Treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips said findings from extensive research by the TAC, VicRoads and RACV into the attitudes of parents and their children had shaped the campaign.

"Parents do a fantastic job supervising their children through the 120 hours of supervised driving required by learner drivers," Mr Rich-Phillips said.

"This shows that Victoria's Graduated Licensing System is working, with a recent evaluation showing it has reduced fatal crashes involving young drivers by 23 per cent. But, the fact that new P platers are 30 times more likely to crash tells us more can be done."

Mr Mulder said the research showed parents might not be aware of how influential they could be on their children, even after they became an adult.

"By setting an example and offering advice, parents play an important role in helping their kids adjust to life unsupervised behind the wheel," Mr Mulder said.

"As part of the campaign, a website will focus on common challenges such as driving at night, long distance trips, driving while distracted, peer pressure and avoiding the temptation of drink-driving.

"We don't want any family to go through the trauma of losing a child and that is why we continue to look at new approaches," Mr Mulder said.

To midnight 31 October 2013, 13 people aged 18-20 have died on our roads, compared to 26 at the same time last year. Young Victorians however, remain the most over-represented age group in road trauma.

Those aged 18-25 make up 11.5 per cent of the population and 13.6 per cent licensed drivers – yet alarmingly, they also make up 22 per cent of people killed in car crashes in Victoria.

Reminding parents of how they can help their children stay safe upon getting their licence is a key action in the Victorian Coalition Government's Road Safety Strategy 2013-2022. Find out more at www.roadsafety.vic.gov.au

The TAC campaign, created in collaboration with VicRoads and the RACV, will be advertised on TV, radio, print and supported by valuable hints and advice online at www.saferpplaters.com.au.

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