Driving vehicle safety and inclusion at Vic Open

Published date: 06 Feb 2025

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is promoting vehicle safety and helping injured Victorians get back on the fairways at this year's Vic Open golf tournament.

As part of the TAC’s continued partnership with Golf Australia, the lead-up to this year’s event at 13th Beach Golf Links in Barwon Heads included the All Abilities Clinic today (February 5).

TAC clients impacted by road trauma were among those taking part in the clinic, which gave golfers recovering from injury and golf enthusiasts with a disability a chance to learn from professionals.

The golfers are among thousands of Victorians the TAC supports to help get their lives back on track following a crash. TAC data shows that 5,238 people were hospitalised due to road trauma in 2023-24, of which 648 people were in hospital for more than 14 days.

TAC CEO Tracey Slatter said the clinic was a great way to highlight how the TAC helps people impacted by road accidents get back to doing the things they love.

"The TAC knows that for many people, getting back to their everyday life roles is just as important as getting back to work, whether they are a parent, carer, community volunteer or sports club member,” she said.

“For people who have been injured or have a permanent disability due to a crash on our roads, we know how important it is for them to get back to the life they want to a lead. A big part of that is getting back into the hobbies they always loved, or finding new and exciting hobbies.

"The golfers taking part have inspirational stories to share about how technology, combined with courage and determination, has enabled them to reconnect with sport, friends and social networks."

As a platinum partner of the Vic Open and an official partner of the Victorian Inclusive Championship and the Australian Wheelchair Golf Championship, the TAC is committed to supporting inclusivity in sport and across the wider community.

The TAC’s Victoria’s Straightest Driver activation will return at this year’s Vic Open. This golf simulator allows fans to show their skills while drawing a connection to reinforce safe driving. The activation will also educate participants about the safety features of their car.

The TAC urges Victorians to prioritise safety when buying new or used cars, and to buy the safest vehicle they can afford. Significant reductions in road trauma can be achieved by improving the safety standards of the cars Victorians drive.

The TAC's howsafeisyourcar.com.au website makes it easier for people to find safety information about their current or next car.

The site provides free and independent safety information on new and used cars, allowing users to search by budget or registration number to instantly find a vehicle's safety rating and features.