Not only was there a dramatic rise in fatalities across the state, but this was also reflected in the data including and surrounding the Hepburn Shire itself.  

In 2016 the local government regions of Ballarat, Hepburn, Moorabool and the Pyrnees recorded 21 deaths on the roads, six more than the previous year. 

In some instances it’s obvious that areas of our roads are more at risk than others.  The bend along Service Street in Clunes, which was the scene of three crashes in seven months clearly falls within this category.  

In one tragic instance on Christmas Day the result was the loss of a life; one person who would have been just hours away from Christmas lunch with family and friends.  This goes to highlight the fact a road fatality has impacts far wider than just those involved in the crash. 

VicRoads’ speedy response to that particular crash should be applauded.  Improving the quality of the road will certainly assist people unfamiliar with the stretch, and hopefully prevent any future accidents.

However, improving roads is but half of the task when addressing road fatalities. 

Clearly, the message is not getting through to some people in the community when it comes to driving safely.

Given the recent death of Greg Harper, the mastermind behind the Transport Accident Commission’s hugely successful “Drink Drive, Bloody Idiot” ads, perhaps it is pertinent to ask why recent campaigns have seemingly failed to impact drivers in similarly blunt fashion. 

While the message about the dangers of drink driving is one that has certainly sunk in with Victorian motorists, efforts to combat new challenges such as the distraction of mobile phones and drug driving are yet to grip the public like previous campaigns. 

If we are to truly make a dent into the road toll, these challenges must be met.  Indeed, as of January 17 the state had already recorded more deaths on the road than this time last year, with 10 people never reaching their destination.

Speaking after the tragic events of Christmas Day in Clunes, VicRoads western region regional director Ewen Nevett rightly pointed out that road safety is a two way street.  ““Keeping people safe on our roads is a number one priority for VicRoads … but we can’t do it alone. Everyone has a part to play.”