By Jodie Symonds
MORE than 350 fatalities involving youth and young adults between 18 and 25 years occured on Victorian roads, 11 of those were in the Yarra Ranges – but a Road Safety Education study showed education is paramount to lowering the road toll.
Out of the 11 deaths in the Yarra Ranges, four were from driving in the opposite direction, three ran off a straight road, and four ran off the road on a curve.
Of the deaths in the Yarra Ranges, the fatalities were between the ages of 16-25, eight males and three females.
A four-year study conducted by Road Safety Education, investigated the social impacts of education on youth road trauma, and found education is a vital part in lowering the road toll.
The RSE is a not-for-profit organisation, which runs the Youth Road Safety Awareness Program RYDA in Australia and New Zealand, aimed at reducing trauma on our roads by educating senior high school students between ages 16-18.
The Transport Accident Commission TAC said young drivers in Victoria were almost four times more likely to be involved in a fatal or serious injury crash in their first year, compared to more experienced drivers.
TAC said 22 per cent of drivers who lost their lives on Australian roads were between ages 18 and 25.
According to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau ATBS, it was found they were at greater risk on the roads for reasons including: lack of experience, limited ability, underestimation of risks, deliberate risk-taking behaviours and use of alcohol and drugs.
CEO of Road Safety Education Limited, Terry Birss said government support for community road safety initiatives was absolutely vital.
“Governments need to lend a hand, but should only be supporting road safety education programs which comply with their own guidelines- like RYDA. It should not be about entertainment but education,” Mr Birss said.
“The current economic cost and personal impact of road fatalities is simply unacceptable.
“Road safety education programs such as RYDA have the potential to deliver massive economic benefits to our society, in addition to reducing the personal impact of road trauma.
Minister for Federal Transport, Darren Chester, told a national road safety conference that road trauma was now a public health crisis in Australia.
He said it was concerning that Australians had almost become accepting of deaths and serious injuries as a price we had to pay for a modern transport system.
“A program such as RYDA is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young drivers and their passengers at a crucial stage in their life,” Mr Chester said.
“What students learn at the program does not come from driving lessons or books … it only comes from being part of an interactive and personalised road safety educational course.”
For more information, visit www.tac.vic.gov.au/road-safety/tac-campaigns/young-drivers
