The Victorian Coalition Government’s attack on the road toll was boosted this morning with the launch of a new, hard-hitting TAC campaign targeting motorcycles and speed.
The Victorian Coalition Government’s attack on the road toll was boosted this morning with the launch of a new, hard-hitting TAC campaign targeting motorcycles and speed.
The campaign, entitled “Reconstruction”, features a slow motion replay of a crash involving a motorcyclist and a car. The ad graphically depicts the rider suffering a broken neck as a result of speeding prior to the collision.
Assistant Treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips said the campaign was developed to specifically target two of the state’s biggest road safety concerns – speeding and motorcycles.
“Despite accounting for only 3.8 per cent of all registered vehicles, injuries to motorcyclists account for 20 per cent of the TAC’s no-fault costs,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
“This campaign shows how horrific a crash outcome can be if you are speeding.”
Motorcycle trauma has cost the state an average of $100 million a year over the last three years.
“While that is an enormous amount of money, what we cannot quantify is the impact on families and friends of riders killed or seriously injured in a crash.”
Seventeen motorcyclists have been killed on Victorian roads this year so far.
“Riders must understand the dangers of speeding and that regardless of whether or not they were at fault, they will come off second best in a crash,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
Accepted TAC claims from motorcyclists have increased by more than 50 per cent since 2003, which is roughly equivalent to the increase in motorcycle registrations over the same period. By contrast, claims from vehicle occupants have reduced.
“Speeding continues to be a major contributing factor in motorcycle trauma and TAC research tells us that 15 per cent of motorcycle riders admit they speed all or most of the time,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
“We are calling on all Victorians – whether you drive a car, ride a motorcycle or a bicycle – to stand with us and lead the way towards safer roads and fewer road deaths.”
Victorians will first see the new TAC campaign when it airs on TV tonight. The campaign will run for three weeks and be supported by online, print, outdoor billboard and radio advertising.
