Road safety Victoria: TAC campaign highlights lives of those killed, severely injured

The unfinished dreams of Victoria’s road victims will be detailed in a new initiative as it’s revealed more people are dying in their prime, despite a drop in the number of deaths this year. SEE THE MOVING VIDEOS

More people in the prime of their lives have died on Victoria’s roads this year despite a dramatic reduction in the overall toll.

The unfinished dreams of those whose lives have been cut short will be detailed in a new effort to prevent further tragedies.

Personal items symbolising the heartbreaking loss — including a footy jumper a beloved teen will never again wear and the tiny school hat of a four-year-old girl who never got to start prep — will be displayed in the Transport Accident Commission initiative.

Crash statistics show deaths among road users aged 26-39 have jumped almost 30 per cent compared with last year.

Josie Postlethwaite holds a photo of her late brother, Gareth Cozens. Picture: Jay Town

Assistant Commissioner Libby Murphy says simple mistakes are costing too many lives.

There were 56 people in the age range killed, up from 44.

Road Safety Minister Ben Carroll said: “There’s been a welcome reduction in road deaths in Victoria this year but as always, we don’t think any number of lives lost on our roads is acceptable.”

“It’s so important that we continue to work together as a community to make our roads safer and strive for a future where we don’t have families who have to tell stories like this,’’ he said.

Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Libby Murphy said complacency was to blame for many of this year’s deaths.

Nineteen people killed weren’t wearing seatbelts.

“It’s still those fatal five causes — speed, distraction, drug and drinking driving that are the issues as well as fatigue and seatbelts,’’ Ms Murphy said.

“It’s so frustrating. There is always a consequence for your actions.”

The TAC campaign — developed with Road Trauma Support Services Victoria — details the stories of seven people who’ve lost loved ones or been permanently injured in a crash.

Replicas of items from those affected will be displayed in Melbourne Museum’s forecourt until November 22 and online.

They also include sheet music from a pianist who will never again perform professionally after a red-light running driver on their phone struck her bike and a spotlight from the prized four-wheel-drive of a 21-year-old killed when he got into a car with a drunk driver.

Josie Postlethwaite‘s brother, Gareth Cozens, played and coached local football. Picture: Jay Town

TAC road safety head Samantha Cockfield said: “Far too many people have a ‘left unfinished’ story, and this poignant campaign lays bare seven very personal and emotional stories about how lives can change so dramatically when the unthinkable happens on the roads.”

“We hope the bravery and vulnerability of the people telling these stories will have an impact on every Victorian,” she said.

Josie Postlethwaite — whose 19-year-old brother Gareth Cozens died after falling asleep at the wheel in Victoria’s northwest a decade ago — said she often thought about what he would have achieved.

A replica of Gareth’s guernsey from Birchip-Watchem Football Club, where he was also the under-16 coach, will be included in the display.

“It’s senseless heartache,’’ Ms Postlethwaite said.

“He just had a massive compassionate heart and would have done a lot more into the future. It never leaves you.”

This year’s toll stands at 189, down from 236 this time last year.

Netlink: leftunfinished.com.au

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