The State Government is reminding Victorians to be extra cautious on the roads after a tragic start to the year, with 33 people losing their lives across the state – 13 higher than the same time last year.
Some of the most vulnerable on our roads remain motorcyclists with ten people already losing their lives – five higher than the five-year average.
Pedestrian fatalities are also higher than the five-year average.
With a spike in the road toll, the government has launched two confronting campaigns to help protect our most vulnerable road users.
A new hard-hitting Transport Accident Commission (TAC) campaign highlights the shocking injuries that motorcycle riders could avoid by wearing their safety gear on every ride.
It urges Victorian riders to wear protective clothing each time they get on their bike, no matter the distance or speeds travelled, the weather or the destination.
TAC research shows contusions, abrasions and lacerations are the second-most common type of injury sustained from on-road motorcycle crashes in Victoria, behind fractured limbs.
Over the last five years, on average there have been around 2,500 motorcyclist claims per year, equating to around $115 million annually in compensation and medical bills.
Roads minister Ben Carroll appealed to Victorians to make safer choices.
“Road trauma sends shockwaves through communities – family, friends, first responders and healthcare workers are all affected. Please, concentrate on driving and make safe choices on the road to protect each other,” Mr Carroll said.
“We are working to end road trauma – delivering safer infrastructure and education across the state and investigating new policies and technology but we need every single Victorian to make safe choices on our roads.”
To further protect pedestrians near or on roads, TAC has partnered with KidSafe on a new driveway safety community awareness campaign highlighting the dangers that driveways pose for children.
The advertisement encourages parents, carers and the community to take extra care to avoid run-over tragedies.
TAC chief executive Joe Calafiore reminded Victorians of actions they could take that can make a difference.
“It has been a tragic start to 2022 on Victorian roads and we won’t sit by and accept it – we can all play our part by slowing down, wearing a seatbelt, putting the phone away, driving well rested and not drunk or on drugs,” Mr Calafiore said.
