The consequences of road crashes were put on display recently as two crashed vehicles – which starkly convey the difference between life and death – were on display outside Bunnings Tuggeranong as part of a coordinated series of community awareness events in collaboration with the ACT Government and supported by local Bunnings stores.
ANCAP vehicle safety experts were on hand to field questions from the community and explain the benefits of newer, safer vehicles. “The cars on display show the stark reality of how two different vehicles fare in the same crash,” ANCAP Chief Executive, James Goodwin said.
“We too often hear ‘it won’t happen to me’, but it can and it does. It might not be your fault, but if you’re in the safest vehicle you can be, you’re giving yourself and your family the best chance at either avoiding or minimising the consequences of a crash.”
The ACT is one of the safest jurisdictions with the lowest number of road fatalities, but this shouldn’t mean Canberrans should be complacent when it comes to vehicle choice. “We’re trying new ways to engage with the community and get everyday people doing everyday things to think about the safety of the car they drive or travel in,” added Goodwin.
ACT Minister for Road Safety Shane Rattenbury was in attendance to support the campaign and help raise awareness of the importance of driving a safe vehicle. “Improvements in vehicle safety, including advances in braking, handling, lighting, seat belts and airbags, have contributed significantly to road trauma reduction,” said Minister Rattenbury.
“Many injuries could be avoided, and lives saved, simply by driving safer cars. I encourage all drivers to buy the safest car they can afford. This could be a used car, it doesn’t have to be the newest car in the showroom.”
ANCAP safety ratings for more than 710 new and used vehicle models can be viewed at www.ancap.com.au.