Driving change: Australia’s auto clubs’ collective power
RACT is working with the AAA to lobby governments for a more coordinated approach to collecting road safety data, writes Mel Percival, RACT GM Advocacy & Government Relations.
One of the wonderful things about RACT is our commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of both our members and the broader Tasmanian community. Recently, I visited our sister auto clubs to learn and understand more about the broader work we’re doing in partnership with them.
As one of seven auto clubs, we’re part of a collective effort to fund world-leading research to improve safety on our roads. This important work, like most good research, takes time to test and share results. One of these programs is the Real-World Testing Program. In 2017, the auto clubs’ national representative, the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) conducted a pilot program in response to member concerns that manufacturer labels on vehicle efficiency and emissions were inaccurate. This pilot revealed only three out of the 30 cars tested matched their advertised fuel consumption rates.
After the successful demonstration of the trial, the Commonwealth Government engaged the AAA to deliver the program on its behalf. Over the past nine months, almost 60 cars have been tested and those results are now available not only for members of the auto clubs, but all Australians. In an era of rising living costs, a greater understanding of real-world vehicle ownership costs (as opposed to lab-tested fuel economy) is crucial for consumers in the market for a new car. With an ever-increasing list of vehicles being tested, I’d encourage everyone to check out the program at realworld.org.au
In today’s day and age, data rules the world, and there’s a lot of it. Over the past year the RACT and other auto clubs have worked together with the AAA to successfully lobby governments for a more coordinated approach to collecting road safety data. We believe nationally consistent road safety data should inform decisions about road safety infrastructure investments, while helping governments and others understand factors that contribute to the crashes occurring on our roads. This insight is crucial for identifying solutions to common issues and directing investments effectively.
But we’re not stopping at just collecting data. We’re continuously advocating for policy changes that reflect the latest research findings. By doing so, we ensure that our roads are designed and managed using the best available evidence. This proactive approach helps prevent crashes, saving lives and reducing the emotional and financial costs associated with road trauma.
While RACT’s primary focus is on serving Tasmania and our members, what many may not realise is that we play a significant role on a larger stage. By collaborating with our sister auto clubs, we help shape national conversations around road safety and contribute to the greater good of all Australians. This collective effort amplifies our impact, ensuring that the safety benefits extend beyond our island, influencing policies and practices nationwide.