Double rural road death has local MP concerned

A local politician is concerned after their electorate has already recorded twice as many road deaths this year compared with the combined totals of the last two years.

Member for Corangamite Libby Coker is urging road users to exercise more care and focus as they travel this Rural Road Safety Month, encouraging locals to make a road safety pledge. 

“Rural road crashes account for more than 65 percent of the Australian road toll, and the rate of serious road-related injury in rural areas is nearly twice that of those in major cities,” Ms Coker said.

“There have been six road deaths in Corangamite, compared to three at this time last year. This is a tragic outcome for our region.

“It’s alarming that almost two in three road deaths occur on rural roads of which there are many within Corangamite.

“It is my hope that if we all aim to be more thoughtful in how we travel, we can protect ourselves, our families and those around us in the community.” Ms Coker said

The focus of Rural Road Safety Month is a campaign by the Australia Road Safety Foundation and looks at simple ways we can make a positive difference to reduce the number of deaths on our roads.