Victoria’s rapidly growing road toll eased in the second half of 2019

Despite a horrifying year on Victorian roads, authorities remain hopeful as the rapid rate of the road toll eased in the second half of the year. But motorists are being warned not to be complacent.

A slowing in Victoria’s road toll in the past six months has given authorities hope drivers might finally be heeding the safety message.

While this year’s toll is already the worst since 2016, the number of deaths in the last six months is at a 10-year low.

There have been 110 lives lost since July compared with 151 between January and June.

TAC lead director of road safety Samantha Cockfield told the Sunday Herald Sun: “It is fair to say we have had a horrific start to 2019, it is quite disappointing for road safety professionals and the community.”

Transport Accident Commission lead director of road safety Samantha Cockfield.

“The fact it came off the back of our lowest recorded road toll ever in 2018, is disappointing,’’ she said.

“The positive is that from July 1 onward, we are back at a record low.”

With just days until the year is through, Victoria’s road toll stands at 261 — up 23 per cent on last year.

A key concern has been 31 fatalities where people weren’t wearing seatbelts.

“We have seen people understanding that individual behaviour does matter,’” Ms Cockfield said.

“We cannot be complacent.

“It is hard to understand unless you have had it happen to you, the ripple effect, it doesn’t stop at the funeral, it never stops for those people, they never forget, it is so hard.”