Thursday, 17 August 2023

Road safety

Gary MAAS (Narre Warren South) (17:24): (302) The adjournment matter I wish to raise is for the attention of the Minister for Roads and Road Safety and concerns driver distraction and seatbelts. The action I seek is that the minister provide any information on education campaigns regarding driver distraction and seatbelt compliance and how this will assist my constituents in Narre Warren South. Recently high-tech cameras have been set up to catch distracted drivers. As a recent TAC survey revealed, 52 per cent of respondents said that they use their phone in their hands while driving, and many were using apps. A driver is 10 times more at risk of crashing while using their phone. The cameras have also caught thousands of drivers not wearing seatbelts, which has been extremely disconcerting, surprising and indeed very alarming.

It is a simple fact that seatbelts save lives and should always be worn, even on the shortest journey. They reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury by 50 per cent. Sadly, so far in 2023, 14 people have lost their lives on our roads while not wearing seatbelts. I very recently caught up with four of my constituents who were involved in that tragic Hunter Valley bus crash. They informed me that of the 10 people who died and the 25 people who were injured in that bus crash, only four people were wearing seatbelts on that bus. Of those four people wearing seatbelts, every single one of their lives was saved. So the proof is in the pudding: seatbelts just save lives.

I have been supporting Kidsafe and their push for greater seatbelt protections for children, and it has been confronting to hear the horror stories of people in accidents not wearing seatbelts or wearing belts that are not up to the required standards. It is astonishing that some people are simply not wearing them at all, which is also not a great example for our child passengers. I would appreciate it if the minister could provide any information on education campaigns targeting distracted drivers and seatbelt compliance and how this will benefit my electorate. I look forward to sharing the minister’s response with my community.

James Newbury: Speaker, I draw your attention to the state of the chamber.

Quorum formed.