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GAME ON: Ararat Braves join teams from across Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales in a parade to celebrate the opening of the 29th Tri State Games in Horsham. Almost 300 ‘all-ability’ athletes and their support crews from various organisations are in Horsham for a week of sporting activities. The games opening also featured a fly-over by RAAF precision flying team the Roulettes. The games focus on participation, friendly competition and social interaction for people with disabilities. Horsham is hosting the games this year and next year. Picture: KELLY LAIRD
Focus on road safety BY DEAN LAWSON
P
olice have called for community leadership to help curb the number of fatalities, serious injuries and trauma on Wimmera roads.
Regional traffic advisor Senior Sergeant Guin Cleminson, responding to four fatal car crashes in the Wimmera in the past five weeks, said leaders from all levels of life had a key role to play. “They might be leaders in an organisation, club, family or mates. There is always someone who can step up and lead by example and make being
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safe on our roads a priority,” she said. “Leaders can help tackle life-threatening activities by demanding their colleagues, associates, peers and friends never use use mobile phones, speed, drink alcohol or take drugs, or be suffering from fatigue when driving. Their role is significant.” Speaking yesterday during a break in a Melbourne Road to Zero conference aimed at eliminating injuries and fatalities on Victorian roads, Sen Sgt Cleminson said police relied heavily on the community taking action. “Police can only do so much.
We are constantly working with VicRoads, the Transport Accident Commission, local government and community organisations. But we need leaders in our communities to step up,” she said. “In the past couple of months we’ve had four fatalities in our region and that is four too many. That is four families who won’t have loved ones with them this Christmas. “On average we lose 250 people a year to road fatalities in Victoria. That is 250 families, communities and friends that are all affected. But it’s not only deaths. There are people who suffer serious debilitat-
ing injuries who can never go back to the lives they once had and this again has far-reaching implications for communities, families and friends.”
Dangerous Sen Sgt Cleminson said there was a need for leadership whenever they got behind the wheel. “Obviously road safety is the priority of the driver but it is just as important for every passenger in the vehicle to speak up if there is something happening that is unacceptable,” she said. “For example, if the driver needs to respond to someone
on social media, the distraction this creates is unacceptable. If the conversation or message can’t wait, then the driver must pull over or the passengers demand that the driver pull over. “Being cautious and showing leadership on the roads is not just for highway travel. It is every time someone gets in the car, such as driving to the supermarket or travelling on local roads. “The reality is that one of the most dangerous activities people can do is to get into a car.” Sen Sgt Cleminson’s call came as authorities confirmed the person killed in a car crash on the Western Highway near
• White Ribbon activities ramp up • New welfare agency opens • Young returns to Burras
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Pimpinio on Sunday was a Dimboola woman, 19. The teenager was the sole occupant of a Nissan sedan that collided with a B-double truck about 4.45pm. Paramedics took the truck driver to Wimmera Base Hospital with minor injuries, while police diverted motorists through an alternative route. Police are still investigating the crash and will prepare a report for the coroner. They are also urging anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com. au.