TAC Lawyers Welcome Road to Zero Program and a New Generation of Safe Drivers

TAC lawyers across the state are welcoming the introduction of a world first education program in Victoria. Museums Victoria have joined forces with the TAC to create the education complex Road to Zero, aimed towards high school students, which hopes to increase their knowledge and understanding of road safety, as well as the dangers of car accidents.

Road to Zero is a free curriculum-based program aimed at secondary school students in years 9,10 and VCAL, but is open for anyone to visit. With the June school holidays approaching, Road to Zero is a great way to get your teenager out of the house and learning about road safety.

TAC lawyers have praised Road to Zero, created using decades of research by the TAC, and with an academic focus from the contributions of practising teachers. The program also draws on knowledge from road safety experts with an understanding of the causes and risk factors leading to car accidents. It also features advanced visual and digital technology consisting of interactive installations, virtual reality, 3D projections and digital screens. The result is a truly immersive experience for young Victorian students that will be empowered to make safe decisions as road users, into the future.

Road to Zero focuses on practical tasks and engaging content that is in line with the school curriculum. One science-based activity teaches students about the role of travel speed on stopping distance and how this can cause car accidents. Students then design a virtual safe road in a real-world setting. Another activity has students use a range of information sources to research and reflect on road safety behaviours of 14-17 year olds, and then create a short road safety video about what they have learnt.

The program aims to create a generation of safer drivers with a greater awareness of road safety. This will result in less car accidents, less injuries and less fatalities on the roads.

TAC CEO Joe Calafiore highlighted the significance of road safety awareness in young drivers stating: “In their first year of driving, young drivers in Victoria are almost four times more likely to be involved in a fatal or serious injury crash than more experienced drivers. That’s why it’s so important to teach safe driver behaviour, to all Victorians, at an early age.”

For TAC lawyers, the devastating impact of a car accident is all too apparent – dealing with serious and lasting road injuries is an everyday occurrence. For inexperienced road users however, the effects are little known. Getting your license may be an exciting time, but inexperienced drivers are much more prone to being involved in a car accident and suffering a road injury. TAC research also revealed that in 2018, drivers aged 18 to 25 accounted for 24% of deaths on the roads in Victoria. Road to Zero hopes to foster safe driving habits at this critical age when young people are learning to drive.

Road to Zero is a fantastic, free activity for teenagers to participate in these June school holidays. For more information visit the Road to Zero website: http://www.roadtozero.vic.gov.au/.

Have you been injured in a car accident? Contact Gordon Legal.

If you have suffered injury from a road accident, you are entitled to make a motor vehicle accident claim with the TAC. We recommend you seek independent legal advice about your rights and entitlements. At Gordon Legal, our TAC lawyers can help you navigate your rights and any compensation you may be able to claim.

Car accidents can have lifelong consequences. Our TAC lawyers understand the human toll road accidents have, not only on those involved but the ripple effects on their families and the wider community. For us every case is personal and you come first. Contact Gordon Legal today to speak to one of our friendly and experienced TAC lawyers.