Fatalities Fear: Toll-rise festival bus call

Falls Festival revellers have been urged to book a date with the TAC’s Vanessa bus as new figures show a rise in Victorian road fatalities involving young people.
Thirty-three people aged 16 to 20 have died on Victorian roads, 14 more than in 2014.
The Transport Accident Commission expects to administer more than 5000 free breath tests at next week’s festival, near Lorne.
TAC’s Samantha Buckis said the double-storey Vanessa bus gave revellers a chance to chill out and enjoy healthy activities between acts while also avoiding the risk of drink-driving.
“Everyone needs a mate at a festival to look out for them, give them a drink of water or a coffee when they need it and keep them happy. That’s what Vanessa is all about,” Ms Buckis said.
“It’s about young people looking after each other in a fun and welcoming environment and making sure everyone is under the legal blood alcohol limit before they drive home so they get there safely.”
Ms Buckis said Vanessa had undergone a facelift since last year’s Falls Festival, with a makeover and fun new activities.
Festival patrons were sometimes surprised how high their readings were the morning after as they prepared to travel home, she said.
“When they realise that they’re a fair way off being safe to drive, they’re happy to just chill out for a while, have a coffee or a water and wait until they’re under. We always see that as a win.”