TAC’s Road to Zero education project aims to keep young drivers alive

THOUSANDS of young Victorians will receive an unrivalled education into road safety with the opening of TAC’s Road to Zero Education complex this week.

THOUSANDS of young Victorians will receive an unrivalled education into road safety with the opening of TAC’s Road to Zero education complex this week.

The $55 million project at Melbourne Museum will become a must-see destination for school students and forms the centrepiece of a push by the Andrews Government to reduce the road toll for young drivers.

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It comes as authorities scramble to tackle the problems of young deaths on Victorian roads through cash incentives and innovative new programs.

Roads Minister Luke Donnellan said the facility would help to start the conversation of road safety early.

“We know young people learn best when material is presented in an interactive and engaging way, and that’s exactly what this world-leading centre will deliver,” he said.

The initiative will target the problem group of young drivers aged between 18 to 25, which made up nearly a quarter of deaths on Victorian roads last year.

Students in years 9 and 10 will start visiting the centre, which will include interactive exhibits linked to studies in health and science, in the last term of the year.

It is expected 20,000 students will pass through the complex in its first year alone.

“In their first year of driving, young drivers in Victoria are almost four times more likely to be involved in a fatal or serious injury crash than more experienced drivers,” TAC CEO Joe Calafiore said.

“That’s why it’s so important to teach safe driver behaviour, to all Victorians, at an early age.”

Other initiatives to tackle problem driving among young adults include the graduated licensing system that requires learner drivers receive 120 hours of experience before hitting the road.

“When they get their Ls, practical driving experience one of the most important things to keep young drivers safe,” VicRoads road user director Roger Chao said.

“Getting 120 hours of experience reduces the risk of young drivers crashing by 35 per cent.

“Since 2007 we’ve achieved a 20 per cent reduction in fatal and serious injury crashes involving drivers aged 18-20, but the fact remains that young drivers are some of the highest risk groups on our road — and we will continue working with our road safety partners to improve their safety.”

Roads Minister Luke Donnellan launches a TAC road safety campaign last year. Picture: David Crosling

Museums Victoria Chief Executive Officer Lynley Marshall said: “We are delighted to be presenting this important exhibition at Melbourne Museum.

“The result is a world-first learning experience for young adults that uses immersive technology to explore the physics of motion and the limits of the human body.”

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