UPDATE: The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has just launched an innovative campaign to combat rising road fatalities in Victoria. The initiative, titled Cut, Colour, Click, recruits local hairdressers and barbers as ambassadors to promote road safety discussions, particularly emphasizing the critical need for seatbelt use.
As road deaths in Victoria reach their highest levels for this time of year in a decade, the TAC is taking decisive action. The urgency is clear: in the past five years, nearly one-in-four drivers and passengers killed on the state’s roads were not wearing seatbelts. This alarming statistic highlights the necessity for immediate community engagement.
Jacqui Sampson, TAC’s Head of Community, stated, “Every conversation in a salon chair could save a life.” The campaign aims to empower hairdressers to foster open discussions about road safety while clients are in a relaxed environment. With salons being trusted social hubs, the potential for impactful conversations is significant.
A recent TAC survey of over 2,500 road users revealed concerning trends: while the majority consistently wear seatbelts, 4.7% admitted to not buckling up as passengers in the last year—a figure that has more than doubled since 2020. This trend underscores the urgent need for new educational methods, such as the Cut, Colour, Click initiative.
“The findings from our research reinforce the importance of innovative ways to educate the community about seatbelt safety,” Ms. Sampson added. “Our ambassadors have a unique opportunity to influence their clients and promote conversations about road safety in a relatable context.”
The Cut, Colour, Click campaign has been translated into 10 languages to reach Victoria’s diverse communities, ensuring that tailored messaging resonates with individuals from backgrounds with varying seatbelt laws. This approach is crucial for engaging those who may not be familiar with local road safety regulations.
As part of this ongoing effort, the TAC encourages all Victorians to become road safety heroes. “We need a full community commitment to reverse the unacceptable levels of road trauma we are witnessing,” Ms. Sampson emphasized.
For more information about the initiative and to access resources, visit: https://www.tac.vic.gov.au/road-safety/seatbeltstogether.
This campaign marks a significant step in addressing road safety in Victoria, and it’s imperative for everyone to participate. Share this article to spread the word and join the movement for safer roads today.
