GONE TOO SOON
Dad of fatal crash victim Luke Robinson holds his teen’s ashes, as we launch a campaign to cut young road deaths
MORE young people are dying on Geelong’s roads than almost anywhere in the state, shocking new Transport Accident Commission statistics have revealed.
According to the figures, transport deaths are now the biggest accidental killer of kids in the state, with road trauma second only to disease and suicide as the biggest danger to young lives.
Heartbroken father Norm Robinson, pictured, knows the devastating impact of these horror statistics.
His son Luke, 19, died in a car crash in Lovely Banks in 2010.
Today, Mr Robinson, the Geelong Advertiser and TAC are calling for an end to the scourge behind hundreds of unnecessary young deaths on Victorian roads.
FED-UP authorities are urging motorists to embrace the newest technology available, with research overwhelmingly showing modern safety features save lives.
Transport Accident Commission data shows most fatal accidents involving young Victorians happen in cars more than 10 years old.
Older vehicles were noted in 70 per cent of accidents in which children aged five to 15 were involved over the past decade.
TAC road safety lead director Samantha Cockfield said older models made up the majority of cars involved in the deaths of young people.
“More modern vehicles are more likely to have safety features that we know save lives,” Ms Cockfield said.
“The best thing all young people can do is get the safest car they can afford.
“Affordability is a motivation for young people buying their first car, but safety doesn’t mean buying a new luxury car, there are plenty of safe options out there that suit all budgets.”
She said features, such as anti-lock braking system and rear-facing cameras could be the difference between “a fright and a fatality”.
“We know young drivers are already more susceptible to crashes in their early years on the road, which makes it all the more important to ensure they are driving the safest vehicles possible,” Ms Cockfield said.
Studies by the Monash University Accident and Research Centre show installing rear cameras in cars could reduce accidents involving reversing by up to 40 per cent.
If the average age of the light vehicle fleet was reduced by one year it is expected there would be a 5.4 per cent drop in crashes, slashing fatalities.
MUARC associate professor Jennie Oxley said parents should buy safer cars and encourage their children to do the same.
“There are increasing trends of parents buying their children cars,” Dr Oxley said.
“They play a huge role and there are resources out for parents about this. The difference of a few thousands dollars could save someone’s life.”
The State Government has made safer vehicles a key part of its road toll strategy and has required all government vehicles be fitted with the best available safety features.
Victoria Police are also urging parents to making full use of safety features to protect young children.
“We know young drivers are already more susceptible to crashes in their early years on the road, which makes it all the more important to ensure they are driving the safest vehicles possible.” TAC ROAD SAFETY LEAD DIRECTOR SAMANTHA COCKFIELD