Road deaths fall

Road fatalities in Geelong fell almost 80 per cent in the past financial year, according to Traffic Accident Commission (TAC) figures.
Three people died in the 12 months to 30 June compared with 14 in 2012/2013.
Four died on Surf Coast roads last financial year, the same as in the previous 12 months.
South Barwon MP Andrew Katos welcomed the reduction in Geelong deaths but called for the community to stay safe on roads.
“It’s positive to see reductions in fatalities on the region’s roads but until we reach a situation where no families are left to deal with the unimaginable grief of losing a loved one there is little to celebrate,” he said.
“We need every driver in Geelong and the Surf Coast to make a commitment to themselves and the people they care about to do everything they can to be safe when they get in their cars.”
Mr Katos said a downward trend in Victorian road trauma over recent years was a result of improvements to the state’s roads as well as improved driver behaviour and developments in vehicle safety technology.
The TAC has also provided police with funding for targeted operations on specific driver behaviours in high-risk areas at chosen times.
More information on the State Government’s road safety strategy is available at roadsafety.vic.gov.au.