TAC data reveals 1000 Victorians receive spinal and acquired brain injuries from road trauma accidents every year. In the last 12 months 27 people have submitted a TAC claim after being  hospitalised after having an accident in Ballarat.

Krissy Papworth was only 19 when she broke her pelvis in eight places, sustained severe head injuries and was exposed to road trauma that has stayed with her for nearly three decades. 

On January 3, 1989 Ms Papworth was driving near a t-intersection when she collided with another vehicle. The next thing she remembers is hospital staff cutting off her bathers.

“I suffered multiple injuries and have been paying for it ever since,” Ms Papworth said.

She is most affected by whiplash – that Ms Papworth says has worsened over the last seven years. Ms Papworth is now a guest speaker for Road Trauma Support Services. She hopes by sharing her story she can encourage other people to realise that life-time impacts injuries can have. 

“I want people to know about the pain, about the depression. It has had a pretty major impact on my life,” Ms Papworth said. “If everyone tried to speed a little less, not text while driving … hopefully this would help.”

TAC chief executive officer Joe Calafiore said more than 1000 people received spinal or acquired brain injuries each year from transport accidents.

“Many people are aware of the TAC’s road safety work, but the TAC’s other major role can get overlooked - helping people who are injured in transport accidents,” Mr Calafiore said.

Road Trauma Support Services co-ordinator Lorraine Yeomans said more than 6000 Victorians spent at least one night in hospital due to road trauma injuries. 

“Around 1000 Victorians are in hospital for two weeks. They have serious injuries that they are going to have to live with for the rest of their lives,” Ms Yeomans said.

RTSS provides ongoing support to victims of road trauma, their families and emergency service workers. 

Not-for-profit community groups, local government authorities and state government departments are eligible to apply for TAC grants of up to $25,000. Ms Yeomans said these support services were vital to ensure that victims of road trauma had the support they needed.