The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has launched a powerful new initiative highlighting the profound and lasting impact of road trauma.
The ‘Hardest Share’ calls on Victorians to come forward with their own stories of losing a loved one or of suffering a life-changing injury, helping to build a collective community-driven voice in support of road safety that reminds us of all of the human cost of road trauma.
So far this year, 159 lives have been lost on Victorian roads, 17 more than at the same time last year , representing countless families, friends and communities forever in mourning.
More than half of the lives lost on Victorian roads last year involved illegal behaviours such as speeding, mobile phone use and failing to wear seatbelts – all of which are preventable and major factors in road trauma this year.
The Hardest Share underscores the safe choices drivers can make to protect themselves and others every time they get behind the wheel: slow down, take breaks, don’t drink or drug drive, wear a seatbelt and put the phone away.
Acting TAC chief executive Jacqui Sampson said The Hardest Share is important in supporting Victorians to share their stories to influence positive behavioural change on our roads.
“The ripple effects of road trauma are devastating and far-reaching. Through The Hardest Share, our goal is to encourage people to open up, share their stories of personal loss and hopefully prevent others from experiencing road trauma in the process,” said Ms Sampson.
Karen Gaylard, who tragically lost her husband Philip in a road crash in 2018, is one of the first Victorians to share her story as part of the initiative. Philip was a devoted father, husband and tradesman known for his quiet acts of love and the meaningful life he built in Colac.
“We hope that by telling Philip’s story we can help others gain understanding of the lifelong impact of road trauma. Sharing our story is painful, but if it makes even one person think twice on the road, then it’s worth it,” said Mrs Gaylard.
Anyone impacted by road trauma can share their story as part of the Hardest Share campaign.
For more information and to submit: https://www.tac.vic.gov.au/road-safety/tac-campaigns/the-hardest-share
