MELTON lost five lives on the roads in 2012, recording two less than in 2011.
Victorian Police released the official 2012 road toll last week, revealing a drop in fatalities across the state with 282 deaths last year, five less than the previous year.
The final 2012 road toll, the fifth consecutive record low, marks the seventh year in a row where the road toll has continued to drop.
At last week’s Melton City Council meeting Cr Sophie Ramsey revealed 70 people were seriously injured on Melton roads in 2012, while 115 people sustained other injuries and 133 cars were impounded.
Despite the drop in numbers Assistant Commissioner for Road Policing Robert Hill said Victorians couldn’t take their minds off road safety for a second.
“While a fifth consecutive record low road toll is something the community should be congratulated for, we can never rest on our laurels and need to strive for no deaths on Victorian roads,” Mr Hill said.
“Our focus is often on younger drivers, and rightly so, almost 21 per cent of people killed on our roads last year were aged between 18 and 24.
“Young drivers are more likely to be involved in road trauma because they lack experience, they underestimate risks, they engage in risk-taking behaviour and are more likely to use alcohol and drugs.”
Mr Hill said what was also concerning was the number of older drivers killed on the roads. Forty-one per cent of people killed on Victorian roads last year were 50 or older.
“It is important that family and friends talk with older drivers if they have safety concerns about their driving or road behaviour.
“They are not easy conversations to have, but they are important ones not only for the safety of the family member but for all road users.”
