Tyrrell touts school-based action to address rising road fatalities

THE State Government has been urged to introduce a driver education module in Victorian secondary schools, in an effort to cut down on road fatalities following record-breaking figures in 2023. Northern Victoria One Nation MP Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell spoke before the Legislative Council upon its return from its summer hiatus last week, urging the State Government to introduce basic driver safety skills and vehicle maintenance programs for students in years 10 to 12 across Victoria. She highlighted the “tragic” loss of 60 young people aged between 16 and 25 last calendar year as an indicator more needs to be done within the curriculum to prepare young people for when they get their driver's licence. “Many of these horrific deaths may have been avoided had our young drivers been exposed to a more thorough and rigorous introduction to our road rules, safety and the importance of vehicle maintenance,” Ms Tyrrell said. Some 295 people lost their lives on Victorian roads last calendar year, the state’s worst figures in more than a decade. RoadSafe North East director John Weinert said the body’s ‘Looking after our mates’ and ‘Safer vehicles innovation’ programs were available to all secondary schools and sporting clubs to access. He said VicRoads, through the Department of Transport and Planning, also had a ‘Road smart’ program which was delivered through schools for year 10 or equivalent students in Victoria. Ms Tyrrell said establishing further courses available to all Victorian year 10 to 12 students through their schooling would enable qualified educators to correctly teach vital and potentially life-saving knowledge as students prepare to get their learners or probationary licences. “Last year’s road toll statistics show that many young drivers lack education, understanding and respect on our roads,” she said. “And while some parents and carers have outstanding road safety skills and knowledge to pass on to their children, a school-based educational course dedicated to road safety, driving skills and basic vehicle maintenance would better prepare them for their first years on the road. “I do not wish to see our young people being lost on the roads because they were denied the time, patience and correct guidance from those who are deemed responsible enough to show them how to be safe drivers.”

Tyrrell touts school-based action to address rising road fatalities

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