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52/ THE LATEST 54/ CHANGING GEARS 57/ CROSSING GUARDS 58/ LEARNER ROAD SAFETY 61/ MEMBER REWARDS 65/ PUZZLES 66/ REAR VIEW
community
Dangerous driver distraction
24%
of fatal and serious crashes on our roads are caused by
distracted driving. In August, RACT made a submission to the Legislative Council Select Committee into Road Safety (read more on page 52). One of the key recommendations was around reducing driver distraction, which accounts for 24% of fatal and serious crashes on our roads. Research has shown that distraction while using a mobile phone is equivalent to driving with a blood-alcohol level of between .07 and .10. Recently, the government purchased eight new road safety cameras which can detect people using their phones while driving, speeding or not wearing a seat belt.
While legislation is needed to allow these cameras to be rolled out, this is a critical step forward in reducing road trauma.
the latest.
RACT’s no.1 priority
The National Road Safety Strategy 2011–2020 aimed to reduce the number of deaths on our roads by 30% but in the past 10 years fatalities and serious injury in Tasmania have remained stubbornly high.
We have the worst road safety record of any Australian state – 6.6 deaths per 100,000 population compared with the best performing state, Victoria, with 3.17.
Now we have an unprecedented opportunity to turn that around with the Legislative Council Select Committee into Road Safety.
As our submission to the inquiry says, we need to do things differently. Before preparing our submission, we asked Tasmanians to share their concerns and their ideas to make our roads safer. Nearly 2000 responses were received, examining the state of our roads, road maintenance, driver behaviour and education, vehicle safety and enforcement.
The voices of those Tasmanians are a compelling part of the RACT’s submission to the inquiry. And there are many common themes in the 92 other submissions the committee members must consider.
The RACT has made 38 recommendations which we believe will have a real and lasting impact. Our key message is that government can begin implementing these now by embedding road safety into decision-making across the board.
Every head of department, every government business enterprise, every government instrumentality needs to ensure road safety is part of their responsibilities.
Sweden, a road safety leader, has given road safety real authority within government. Tasmania should adopt that approach, with its Road Safety Office reporting directly to State Cabinet.
As Tasmanians told us loud and clear, road construction and maintenance is also a major issue, so we have called on the government to provide a clear 10-year plan for maintenance and upgrades to our major arterial roads.
The Legislative Council’s findings and recommendations, based on the evidence they have, can set the foundation for Tasmania’s roads to be the safest in the nation.
View RACT’s submission to the inquiry at ract.com.au/community/ advocating-change Garry Bailey
RACT and Kennerley working together to help young Tasmanians
A partnership between Kennerley Children’s Homes and the RACT is helping young Tasmanians get their driver’s licence.
Amira Vaatstra from the RACT says that with more than 210,000 members, the RACT is Tasmania’s largest membership organisation and an important part of the local community.
“We have a big role to play and we are committed to supporting the community that supports us,” says Vaatstra.
Since 2019, RACT has been working closely with Kennerley Children’s Homes to help young Tasmanians living in state foster care gain their independence as part of the Moving On program. Around 14 participants over two years have accessed lessons and gone on to obtain their licence.
“This age group is more at risk of accidents and serious injury on our roads, so to give them confidence behind the wheel makes them safer drivers,” she says.
“Teaching someone to drive is really empowering for young people who might not otherwise get the opportunity to have lessons with a professional driving instructor. As Tasmania’s largest driver training provider, this is a simple yet powerful way that we can support young people in our community.”
Kennerley Children’s Homes General Manager Andrea Sturges says RACT’s support was vital.
“To many people, getting a driver’s licence is a rite of passage, but to some of the young people we support, it’s a crucial step in helping them become more independent and connected to their community,” Sturges said.
“So many young Tasmanians miss out on this opportunity because they don’t have access to driving instructors or a vehicle to learn to drive in.
“With the RACT’s support, we are doing something practical that is helping to unlock a brighter future for young Tasmanians.
“The program helps young people leaving foster care learn vital life skills. We are very grateful that RACT has partnered with us to provide driving lessons to kids who need a hand.”
For more information, visit kennerleykids.org.au/ moving-on-program
CAR
MEDIC
QI recently flattened my battery, and the RACT patrolman said I needed a new one. Last time I flattened my battery, I was able to be jump started and it was fine. Why did I need a new battery this time, but not last time?
Elliott Cromer // Hobart
AWhen your battery is in a good state of health, it will have a high charge acceptance; meaning it will charge very quickly after it has been discharged.
As your battery gets older, it degrades, developing a resistance to taking a charge from the vehicle charging system. After jump starting your car, our patrolman will check the charge acceptance of your battery. If the battery can’t accept at least 15 amps of charge, the battery is deemed no longer fit for reliable service and needs replacing.
Low charge acceptance is the main reason that old batteries need replacing. In a standard drive, if a battery will not replenish the charge that is removed from it by starting the car, it is no longer a reliable battery and could let you down at any moment.
