Deakin University starters have been encouraged to book a date with the Transport Accident Commission’s Mini-Vanessa bus during next week’s O-Week festivities at Waurn Ponds.
Mini-Vanessa, from the TAC’s Vanessa road safety fleet, will be on hand Tuesday with advice to new drivers and first-time car buyers and helping people get home safely with free breath tests.
Vehicles from the Vanessa fleet are a familiar sight at events such as Falls Festival, Big Day Out and Groovin the Moo. Visitors to Mini-Vanessa can take advantage of free breath tests as well as kick back and enjoy healthy activities, games and giveaways.
TAC youth road safety expert Samantha Buckis said reaching out to young people about road safety was an important part of Victoria’s Towards Zero mission, with 18-to-25-year-olds accounting for 24 per cent of road fatalities last year.
“Mini-Vanessa is all about reducing road trauma by helping young people look out for each other at youth events, including at O-weeks,” Ms Buckis said.
“Mini-Vanessa also offers advice for students who might be not only choosing new subjects but buying their first car as well and who need to ensure it is a safe car.
“There are loads of fun activities for people, like games and prizes. Everyone needs someone to keep an eye out for them and the Mini-Vanessa crew will provide advice, free water, coffee and breath tests.”
Twenty-five people aged 18 to 20 died on Victorian roads in 2015, up from 15 the year before. Sixteen-to-17-year-olds recorded a similar increase, rising from four to 15.
“Importantly, Mini-Vanessa also adds a fun element to the events she visits and her ever-growing fan base shows her message is getting more and more traction with young people,” Ms Buckis said.
More information about Vanessa fleet is available on her Facebook page.
