The next time you’re driving and are tempted to glance at your phone, or creep over the speed limit, bear in mind it could be the last thing you do.
Or perhaps you’ll have to live with the guilt of being responsible for someone’s death. It may be a child. It may be someone you care about.
The amount of fatal vehicle crashes, particularly on country roads, is far too high and the Amber Community (formerly Road Trauma Support Services Victoria) wants people to take extra precautions and be safe every time they get behind the wheel.
Benalla’s Graham Milner knows all too well what can happen on our roads in the blink of an eye.
Mr Milner is a volunteer with Benalla SES, and has attended more vehicle crashes than he can remember.
He is also a member of the Amber Community, working to educate the public on the importance of road safety.
“Shine a Light on Road Safety is about igniting hope, connecting with others and creating positive change,” Mr Milner said.
“This year its fundraising goal is $100,000 to grow the Amber Community’s amazing road safety programs.
“But it’s also about raising awareness of road trauma and advocating for road safety.”
To support the campaign, Benalla Rural City Council illuminated the Sir Edward Weary Dunlop Learning Centre in amber for one week.
Mr Milner has been involved with the Amber Community for 10 years and presents at seminars held across Victoria and online.
“Attendees are there as a result of bad driving choices, perhaps causing an accident, and have been through the court system,” he said.
“Often they’ll need to attend to get their driving licence back.”
Mr Milner said the seminars required participation, not just sitting and listening.
“We have a discussion around why they need to attend,” he said.
“Then there’s a presentation from someone with lived experience of the adverse effects of road crashes.
“That might be someone who lost a family member.
“Finally, we have a presentation from emergency services about their involvement with road trauma.”
Amber Community offers free information and counselling to people impacted by a road incident via 1300 367 797 and www.ambercommunity.org.au/
You can donate to the campaign via getinvolved.ambercommunity.org.au/event/shine-a-light/home/