RACT calls for focus on youth road safety
Published | 23 February 2024
This state election, RACT urges all political parties and candidates to pledge support for landmark reform aimed at addressing Tasmania’s critically high road toll. The proposed initiative is to develop the country’s most comprehensive school-based road safety education program.
Seeking $8M over five years, RACT’s aim is to embed youth road safety programs in secondary schools and create a new generation of safer drivers.
Group Chief Executive Officer Mark Mugnaioni emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to mitigate the profound social and economic impacts of road trauma.
“Each year, 67 young Tasmanians aged between 15 and 25 are killed or seriously injured on our roads. We’re committed to changing this by creating a safer generation of drivers,” Mr Mugnaioni said.
“Road crashes are the second leading cause of death for Australians aged 15 to 24, and tragically, young people are consistently overrepresented in our road toll.”
With a membership of more than 215,000 Tasmanians, Mr Mugnaioni said youth road safety is a consistent concern raised by members.
“A different approach is needed to tackle this crisis and a comprehensive youth road safety education program would proactively address the level of road trauma in our state.”
“Experience tells us that the best way to shape behaviour is through theoretical and practical education, like we have seen with the introduction of learn to swim programs in schools.”
“This nation-leading program would incorporate theory and practical components to shape attitudes and build safe driving habits,” he said.
The program could be funded utilising revenue from road safety cameras to ensure its long-term sustainability.
“Looking ahead, nearly 40,000 young Tasmanians will be obtaining their licences over the next five years. They rely on us to lead the way and support them on this journey. Without changing our current approach, we face continued high fatalities and injuries on Tasmanian roads,” he said.
“In addition to the personal impact on young people, their families and communities, from an economic perspective youth road trauma costs the state $38M each year.
“Investing in prevention and a coordinated, collaborative approach with existing community organisations will ensure the best outcomes for young people.”
For more information, head to: ract.com.au/community/a-safer-generation-of-drivers