Shocking toll on our roads

In the past year, six people have died on the roads in Bass Coast.

That’s six times higher than the previous year. Across the Gippsland region, 30 people have lost their lives, up from 21 in 2022.

Coinciding with the release of these latest figures, a new road safety campaign has been launched, designed to tackle drink driving myths.

With the holiday season upon us, the government is urging drivers to be extra cautious on the roads.

A new road safety campaign will highlight the dangers of low-level drinking and driving and bust the myths people believe in on how to stay under .05 when drinking alcohol and ultimately says don’t drink and drive.

The latest TAC Road Safety Monitor report reveals a concerning 48 per cent of Victorians would still consider driving after two or more alcoholic drinks.

“As we head into summer and the festive season, this campaign is a timely reminder to Victorians that drinking and driving don’t mix,” said Transport Accident Commission (TAC) CEO, Tracey Slatter.

“We want to embrace a culture where driving after drinking any alcohol is not considered normal.

“Many people think they can manage their blood-alcohol level by following a set of vague rules handed down through generations, but the only way to avoid the risk entirely is to completely separate drinking and driving.”

The TAC and Victoria Police says it’s time to remove the guesswork and don’t risk drinking and driving.

In the past year, six people have died on the roads in Bass Coast, with 30 lives lost across the Gippsland region.

Campaign

The new campaign combats key myths on the speed at which people drink, how many standard drinks are appropriate per hour, if people have had enough water, how much people have eaten and even body size.

Police say of all the substances that are tested roadside, alcohol remains the most represented drug in fatally injured drivers – with close to one in five drivers and riders killed being over the legal limit.

Police say the current road toll is the highest since 2008.

To illustrate the point, Victoria Police has put up a Christmas tree to honour every life lost on Victorian roads this year. 

There are now 274 baubles on the tree with the names and ages of those who won’t be celebrating Christmas with their loved ones this year. 

There were 35 lives lost recorded in November, making it the worst month on Victoria’s roads to date this year. 

Victoria Police is appealing to motorists to take extra care on the roads over the festive period.

“Our message is to please, drive safely this festive period,” Road Policing Assistant Commissioner, Glenn Weir said.

“I’m really appealing to everyone between now and the end of the year to take care, have conversations with your loved ones as they’re going out on the roads. If you’re in a car, you’ve got a responsibility to make sure you get to your destination safely.

“We want every Victorian to remember Christmas this year for a good reason, not for one of tragedy.”

Police will conduct a number of road policing operations throughout December, in an effort to reduce further road trauma.

The new TAC ad campaign will run through until the end of January.

Details: www.tac.vic.gov.au