Victoria scores unwanted record

VICTORIA recorded more road deaths over Christmas and New Year than any other state.
Assistant Commissioner Ken Lay said it was incredibly disappointing and frustrating that 16 people lost their lives on Victorian roads during the official national Christmas and New Year road toll period from Friday 19 December to Friday 2 January.
This was one fewer than last year.
“Losing someone in a road traffic accident is tragic enough but there is extra emphasis at Christmas and New Year, a time when traditionally many people get together with their families,” he said.
“Choosing to put your seatbelt on or not, choosing whether to answer your mobile phone or not, choosing to drive after drinking too much and choosing to cross the road safely or not – these are choices that you make as drivers and road users.
“It’s not hard to make the right choice and it could be the difference between life and death.”
Mr Lay said that despite the high-visibility enforcement campaign, the educational campaign by TAC, the legislative changes by the Government and the improvements to the roads, police were still reliant on the public playing their part and changing their behaviour.
“Overall the number of people killed on our roads for 2008 was lower than any other previous year but one person killed on our roads is one too many,” he said.