In a rush of publicity about the deaths of young drivers, Minister Mulder and Police Deputy Commissioner Walshe called for a reduction of the number of young Victorians who die while travelling in cars. The usual short term fixes were bandied about but there was, as usual in these circumstances, nothing about real change to solve a systemic problem.
A version of this letter was published in today's Herald Sun on page 36.
"A teenage girl dies in a road smash. Too many terrible tragedies like
this. The family calls for compulsory driver education in schools.
this. The family calls for compulsory driver education in schools.
Police Deputy Commissioner Walshe says he will meet young drivers to
find out why they make the wrong decisions. (HS 3/11/2011. "YOUNG
FATAL ATTRACTION") Roads Minister Mulder desperately calls for help
to cut the road toll.
find out why they make the wrong decisions. (HS 3/11/2011. "YOUNG
FATAL ATTRACTION") Roads Minister Mulder desperately calls for help
to cut the road toll.
It's one thing for officials to take personal action after a tragedy,
to hold seminars and take kids to emergency wards, it's quite another
to look at the big picture and make the reforms the system needs.
Short term fixes achieve little for victims and their loved ones.
to hold seminars and take kids to emergency wards, it's quite another
to look at the big picture and make the reforms the system needs.
Short term fixes achieve little for victims and their loved ones.
The idea of compulsory road user education in schools isn't new but it
needs a new government attitude to achieve. RUE needs teachers then
facilities. It will cost but reduced road trauma costs will make it a
very good investment for Victoria.
needs a new government attitude to achieve. RUE needs teachers then
facilities. It will cost but reduced road trauma costs will make it a
very good investment for Victoria.
Better drivers mean fewer passenger, rider and pedestrian casualties
too.
too.
RUE teachers need tertiary education qualifications and a career path.
Sports teachers have to be qualified to teach kids to kick, bowl, swim
or whatever. Isn't road safety as important as sport?
Sports teachers have to be qualified to teach kids to kick, bowl, swim
or whatever. Isn't road safety as important as sport?
The private sector must be involved. Government must help
driving/riding schools to qualify to work with state and private
schools to teach youngsters to use our roads without injury. This
would have to happen in steps. The first step is the hardest. But, is
there the political will take the first step.
driving/riding schools to qualify to work with state and private
schools to teach youngsters to use our roads without injury. This
would have to happen in steps. The first step is the hardest. But, is
there the political will take the first step.
Damien Codognotto
Independent Riders' Group
Melbourne"
Independent Riders' Group
Melbourne"
No comments:
Post a Comment