Vol. 18 No. 22
Special publication
OUT TODAY
White Ribbon Part two of our feature to stamp out family violence
FREE PUBLICATION
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
WARMING UP: Motorcycle enthusiasts Peter Rudge, left, and Jay Miller join Horsham Salvation Army’s Major Carolyn Wright in preparation for the organisation’s 16th annual charity and toy ride. Motorcyclists, who are collecting cash, books and other donations for disadvantaged Wimmera children this Christmas, will ride between Natimuk and Horsham on Saturday. Picture: BETH BECHAZ
Pages 6 and 7
Road toll reminder BY DEAN LAWSON
R
oad-fatality statistics for the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians from the past decade show the figure steadily climbing towards 100. Details from Transport Accident Commission have revealed since January 2005, 89 people have died on roads while travelling in or through six municipalities in the region. The raw statistics for Ararat, Horsham, Northern Grampians, Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack and West Wimmera also reveal 750 people hurt in road-trauma incidents needed hospitalisation, 140 of them for serious injuries.
IN THIS ISSUE
The figures show the greatest incidence of death and injury on our roads involves men. The statistical revelations come after police again stressed a need for drivers to be vigilant after a man narrowly escaped injury on the Western Highway near Pimpinio on Saturday. Police said the utility the man was driving drifted into the path of an oncoming truck. The incident happened as communities are still reeling from four fatalities in the region in the past two months. The TAC has provided the public with a broad range of Victorian statistics as part of its Towards Zero campaign. Commission road safety manager Liz Waller said it was
MUNICIPALITIES
FATALITIES Male
Female
INJURIES Total
Serious
Minor
Horsham
11
9
20
36
154
West Wimmera
11
3
14
10
48
Hindmarsh
5
1
6
10
94
Yarriambiack
7
2
9
8
44
Northern Grampians
15
9
24
38
166
Ararat
12
4
16
38
104
TOTAL
61
28
89
140
610
*Serious injuries – more than 14 days in hospital; minor injuries – less than 14 days.
crucial motorists took heed of information and messages about a need for road safety, especially with the approaching summer holiday period. “Christmas is a time of celebration and giving, and the Transport Accident Commission is reminding motorists the
best thing they can give their loved ones this year is to be present,” she said. “It’s a time when people like to enjoy time with their family and friends – nobody wants an empty seat at the table because of a tragedy on the roads.” Ms Waller said for many peo-
ple the festive season included trips, often involving long distances and unfamiliar roads, which meant factoring in rest stops for trips longer than two hours. “We need drivers to stay within speed limits, drive to conditions and ensure they are present in the moment and not distracted by mobile devices or passengers,” she said. “We’re also at that time of year where there are lots of work break-ups, Christmas parties and other functions where alcohol is often involved. “If you know you will be drinking, make sure you plan ahead and ensure you have a safe way home, whether that’s a designated driver, a pre-
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booked taxi or organising a friend or family member to pick you up. “It’s all about planning ahead, and also watching out for friends – sharing the responsibility for keeping each other safe. “We know getting home after a night out in regional areas such as the Wimmera can be challenging. “Drink-driving remains one of the biggest killers on Victorian roads and is responsible for a quarter of all driver deaths so we need to watch out for friends and share responsibilities for keeping each other safe.”