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Liberals To Improve 4WD & ATV Driver SafetyA Liberal Government will work to improve safety for the 250,000 four-wheel-drive vehicles used every day in Victoria on farms and for commercial and recreational uses, as well as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). By Phillip Davis - 16th August 2006 - Back to News Shadow Minister for Country Victoria Philip Davis said many drivers were unskilled in the different driving requirements for four-wheel-drive vehicles compared to conventional sedans.
The incidences of ATV roll-over are also a major concern for those using the vehicles around the farm or for recreation.
"Under a Liberal Government, the Traffic Accident Commission (TAC) would implement an educational and education and information campaign aimed at four-wheel-drive owners about how to drive their vehicles safely in different types of conditions and terrain," Mr Davis said.
"A Liberal Government would also work with Four Wheel Drive Victoria to provide driver education courses for four-wheel-drive owners."
Mr Davis said the Liberal Party was also extremely concerned about the high incidence of serious injury and death from ATV accidents in recent years.
Between July 2000 and June 2003, a total of six adult fatalities occurred in Victoria from ATV accidents, while many more received serious injuries. During this same period, three children were also killed in accidents associated with the use of ATVs.[1]
"These fatalities are clearly unacceptable and a Liberal Government will address this senseless waste of life," Mr Davis said.
"While the deaths occurring on ATV and four-wheel-drive accidents are alarming, there are also thousands of people who sustain life-threatening injuries in such accidents each year, which often remains under the public radar.
"In association with the four-wheel-drive courses, a Liberal Government will work with the Victorian Farmers Federation and WorkCover to establish ATV safety training courses.
"The courses will train ATV owners in the safe operation of these particular vehicles and how to keep the vehicles stable and avoid roll-overs and other accidents."
Mr Davis said a Liberal Government was committed to improving driver safety in country Victoria and saving lives.
[1] Rural and Regional Services and Development Committee report ‘Inquiry into the cause of fatality and injury on Victorian farms’ August 2005.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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