The day marks ‘Shine a light on road trauma’ day, an initiative by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).
TAC and Victoria Premier, John Brumby, are calling on motorists to turn on their headlights as a simple, free and highly visible gesture, to remember those who have died on our roads and show commitment to reducing road trauma.
Mr Brumby said every Victorian should take their responsibility on the roads seriously.
“VACC supports ‘Shine a light on road trauma’ twenty years on from when the first TAC advertisement went to air,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.
“VACC, along with TAC and the Victorian Government are committed to educating motorists, and wider community, about safe roads and safe driver behavior.
“In particular, VACC is passionate about Safe Vehicles, and ‘Shine a light on road trauma’ comes during our ongoing Vehicle Safety Campaign.
“Our research shows nearly one-in-three vehicles on our roads is poorly maintained and unsafe. Automotive repairers have the State’s fleet on their hoists week-in, week-out and they tell us, they are shocked by the unsafe condition of some of these vehicles.
“What makes these figures even more alarming is the fact many of them fail the most basic of safety checks. Many faults would easily be identified by a professional, but for some reason, the motorist has neglected the vehicle.
“That is why VACC has devised the Five Point Safety Check. Participating VACC repairers conduct an inspection of the key safety areas of a vehicle i.e. the brakes, tyres, lights, steering and restraints when a vehicle is booked in for a service.
“Regardless of age, kilometres or ANCAP safety ratings, if a vehicle is not well maintained and regularly serviced it is a risk. As we remember the 8,200 people who have died on Victorian roads since 1989, and as families prepare for the coming holiday driving season, VACC urges all motorists to turn their headlights on during Thursday December 10 and to make sure the vehicle they are driving is safe,” Mr Purchase said.