Following the release last week of the latest road crash data in Victoria, the government through the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) are turning to music ahead of the Easter break to try and convince young drivers to drive safely.
Last year’s figure of 3,820 serious injuries on the road is up on the five year average of 3,669 and is a nine per cent increase on the 2009/10 figure of 3,497.
Now, if you’re sitting there scratching your head wondering how music can help don’t worry, you aren’t the only one.
Turns out the TAC have teamed up with Queensland music upstart Guvera to offer free $5 vouchers to download music for drivers who use the successful ‘driver revive’ program. According to the TAC their partnership with Guvera is designed to encourage younger drivers to stop and take a break on longer journeys.
A spokesperson spoke to Tone Deaf saying that “younger people haven’t traditionally taken advantage of the Driver Reviver stops so we hope this will be an incentive (along with free coffee and bikkies!)”.
Fatigue is a constant concern for the road safety authority, with research showing that 13% of drivers admit to falling asleep at the wheel. Nearly half of those have fallen asleep on a journey of more than 2 hours and 66% say it happened on a country road or highway.
“Make sure you get a good night’s sleep before you hit the road, plan to take a break every two hours and take extra care on unfamiliar country roads,” TAC Senior Manager Road Safety and Marketing John Thompson said.
“The TAC encourages all drivers planning an Easter road trip to make the most of the SES Driver Reviver stops, to take a break and have a free coffee. To encourage younger drivers to have a break, we are offering free music download vouchers at the Driver Reviver stops.”
“We need the community to commit to reducing road trauma 100 per cent of the time. As we enjoy time with our family and friends this Easter, let’s all make the commitment to keeping our roads safe.”
