It has been a particularly deadly year on the roads for Geelong’s young people, according to the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).
The data showed that over a third of the region’s road fatalities in 2023 were made up of 18- to 25-year-olds, while no deaths were reported in this age group during the same time last year.
TAC chief executive Tracey Slatter said Greater Geelong had a road toll of three deaths in this age range as of October 25, 2023, which made up 33 per cent of the nine lives lost to date in Victoria.
“Tragically this year, we’ve seen an increase in the total number of lives lost on Geelong roads and across the state, including fatalities of young people aged between 18 and 25,” she said.
“The evidence tells us that extensive on-road experience and education are the most effective ways to mould safe young solo drivers.”
Ms Slatter said factors that contributed to the rise of young driver deaths on Geelong’s roads this year included speed, distractions, fatigue, not wearing seatbelts, and intoxicated driving.
She also said there had been 41 people aged between 18 and 25 had been killed in the state so far this year, which was 34 more deaths than the same time last year.
“We know there are a range of factors that make young drivers more vulnerable on the roads, most commonly it comes down to inexperience and a greater tendency to take risks,” she said.
“The TAC is constantly looking for new ways to educate young drivers about all aspects of road safety, and the Split Second Competition is an innovative way to engage with young Victorians.”
The TAC announced the winners of its fifth annual Split Second youth film competition in October, focusing on raising awareness of the importance of vehicle safety among young drivers.
More information on this year’s road fatalities and the Split Second competition is available on the TAC’s website. Help is also available with Lifeline’s 24/7 support service on 13 11 14.
