Young people across regional Victoria will be given the opportunity to swap their older cars for a safer vehicle thanks to the Andrews Labor Government's Unsafe2safe Program.
Expressions of interest open today for young drivers aged 18-25 to receive a $5,000 subsidy towards buying a safer vehicle as part of the program.
Under the program up to 120 young Victorians have already bought safer, modern and more reliable vehicles.
The trial aims to replace 1,000 older vehicles that are over 16 years old for more modern vehicles that have safety features to help prevent crashes - such as Lane Keep Assist and Autonomous Emergecy Braking systems.
Young drivers are at the greatest risk of being involved in a crash in their first years of solo driving and young regional Victorians driving older cars are 15 times more likely to be killed in crashes compared with the state average.
Of the 84 drivers who have died on Victorian roads this year, 14 were between 18-25 years old.
The program is part of Victoria's Road Safety Action Plan under the Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, which focuses on groups that are over-represented in road trauma.
Participants who complete the Vehicle Safety Basics course through the VicRoads e-learning portal will be given priority access to the program.
Expressions of interest close on 27 August 2023. For more information on eligibility and to apply, visit engage.vic.gov.au/unsafe2safe
As stated by Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne
"We're reaching more young people this year by expanding the program to 1,000 participants. This means more safer cars for more young people in regional Victoria."
"We know costs can be a real barrier when it comes to buying your first car. The $5,000 subsidy will g a long way in helping young people buy safer cars on the market and ensure they prioritise safety over budget."
As stated by Head of Road Safety Victoria Marcelo Vidales
"Expanding the Unsafe2safe program means more young people across our state can now apply to take part in the program supporting them to be in a safer car."
"We are doing everything possible to reduce trauma on our roads. The Unsafe2safe program is just one of the ways we're addressing safety issues faced by young drivers aimed to lower the risk of them being hurt or killed on our roads."
