The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) have launched a powerful new initiative highlighting the profound and lasting impact of road trauma.
The Hardest Share calls on Victorians to come forward with their own stories of losing a loved one or suffering a life-changing injury, helping to build a collective community-driven voice in support of road safety that reminds us of all of the human cost of road trauma.
Acting TAC chief executive officer Jacqui Sampson said The Hardest Share is important in supporting Victorians to share their stories to influence positive behavioural change on our roads.
“The ripple effects of road trauma are devastating and far-reaching. Through The Hardest Share, our goal is to encourage people to open up, share their stories of personal loss and hopefully prevent others from experiencing road trauma in the process,” she said.
So far this year, 159 lives have been lost on Victorian roads, 17 more than at the same time last year, representing countless families, friends and communities forever in mourning. Sadly, there are thousands more people seriously injured in road crashes every year, many requiring TAC support for life.
More than half of the lives lost on Victorian roads last year involved illegal behaviours such as speeding, mobile phone use and failing to wear seatbelts – all of which are preventable and major factors in road trauma this year.
As part of the TAC’s ongoing efforts to prevent road trauma, The Hardest Share underscores the safe choices we can all make to protect ourselves and others every time we use our roads: slow down, take breaks, don’t drink or drug drive, wear a seatbelt and put the phone away.
Karen Gaylard, who tragically lost her husband Philip in a road crash in 2018, is one of the first Victorians to share her story as part of the initiative. Philip was a devoted father, husband and tradesman known for his quiet acts of love and the meaningful life he built in Colac.
“We hope that by telling Philip’s story we can help others gain understanding of the lifelong impact of road trauma. Sharing our story is painful, but if it makes even one person think twice on the road, then it’s worth it,” she said.
Journalist and TV personality Jacqui Felgate has joined the initiative to amplify voices such as Karen’s and urge Victorians to reflect on the individual choices they make behind the wheel, and to be road safety leaders and advocates within their communities.
“Road trauma is more than tragic headlines. I’m supporting The Hardest Share because I want people to see the human side of every road crash statistic – and to choose care over complacency,” she said.
If you’ve been impacted by road trauma, your story can be the reason someone else makes it home safely.
Anyone wishing to share can go to the TAC website to submit their Hardest Share.
tac.vic.gov.au/road-safety/tac-campaigns/the-hardest-share
The TAC will work sensitively with those willing to share their stories, providing counselling and other supports.
