State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe attended the forum and said it was a great opportunity for the community to meet with first responders.
“What we know is that country people are dying on country roads and our road toll is higher than this time last year, and the highest it’s been for the past 15 years,” she said.
Attendees heard from Victoria Police, GV Road Safety, Shepparton Search and Rescue, Ambulance Victoria and the fire brigade, as well as Cool Heads and the L2P Driving Program.
Victoria Police provided road data and an update on the increase in road trauma across the region.
The forum also discussed driver education and behaviour, country roads, dangerous intersections and the unsafe conditions of roads in the area.
“It has been a horrific time on our roads, and this distressing trend needs to stop,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“There are many contributing factors to road accidents and trauma, and the more we can do to promote better driver behaviour, the better.
“The government has their priorities all wrong. Road safety programs and safer roads should be a priority.”