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Liberal Government To Tackle 4WD Rollovers

The Liberal Party has committed to reducing the incidences of four-wheel-drive rollovers with funding for driver training and education.

By Phillip Davis - 28th August 2006 - Back to News

Shadow Minister for Country Victoria Philip Davis said a study conducted by the Monash University Accident Research Centre and released yesterday revealed four-wheel-drivers were more than three times more likely to die in a rollover crash.

This report supports the Liberal party’s policy proposal released 27 July, advocating the need for further education and skills training for four-wheel-drivers.

Mr Davis said a Liberal Government would improve driver safety for the 250,000 four-wheel-drive vehicles in use every day in Victoria.

"These vehicles are in use throughout Victoria on farms and for commercial and recreational uses," Mr Davis said.

"A Liberal Government would work with Four Wheel Drive Victoria to provide driver education courses for four-wheel-drivers.

"The Traffic Accident Commission (TAC) would also, under a Liberal Government, implement an educational information campaign aimed at four-wheel-drivers about how to drive their vehicles safely in different types of conditions and terrain.

"The study found four-wheel-drivers are more likely to be involved in rollover crashes on high speed roads and 3.4 times more likely to die.

"A Liberal Government will improve education and training to provide four-wheel-drivers with the specific skills they need to safely handle four-wheel-drives – these skills differ from conventional sedans."

Mr Davis said a Liberal Government would tie its four-wheel-driver safety courses and education campaign with a specific program for users of All-Terrain-Vehicles (ATVs).

"A Rural and regional Services and Development Committee report found that between July 2000 and June 2003, six adults lost their lives in ATV accidents, while countless others sustained life-threatening and debilitating injuries," Mr Davis said.

"During this same period, three children were also killed in accidents associated with the use of ATVs.

"These fatalities are clearly unacceptable and in association with the four-wheel-drive education courses, a Liberal Government will work with the Victorian Farmers Federation and WorkCover to establish ATV training courses."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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