The Andrews Government and the Transport Accident Commission are highlighting the health of Victorians affected by road trauma, with a focus on men ahead of International Men’s Health Week.
Victorian WorkSafe and the TAC Minister Danny Pearson joined the TAC to highlight the ongoing health impacts of road trauma in Victoria and to raise awareness of the support services available.
Mr Pearson said supporting people in their mental health recovery after experiencing road trauma was as crucial as the support for physical injuries.
“No-one ever thinks road trauma will happen to them, but we know the profound impact that it can have on individuals and communities. That is why we continue to support those affected to get their lives back on track,” he said.
Some 145 people have lost their lives on Victorian roads this year, with 98 of them men.
In the last financial year, the TAC provided benefits to more than 43,000 people who were either injured on Victorian roads or had their lives and health impacted by road trauma.
TAC acting chief executive Tony Dudley said men were overrepresented among TAC clients.
“Too many people suffer physically and mentally due to road trauma and we know that men are overrepresented not only in the number of people injured and killed on roads but in those who struggle silently in the wake of loss,” he said.
“The TAC is here to help people impacted by road trauma and if you’re grieving in silence without the support you need, there are many ways that we can help, and we urge people to reach out.”