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RACT Honours 50+ Years Members

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:48:10 EST

More than 130 Tasmanians today joined a special group of RACT members who have retained their membership over the last 50 years.

They were honoured at an afternoon tea at Wrest Point, with the presentation of special 50 year membership plaques by the Chairman of the RACT, Roger Locke.

The 133 recipients include three couples - from Sandy Bay, Midway Point, and Cambridge. They also include a former senior Tasmanian politician, and a well-known Tasmanian restaurateur.

"It's an extraordinary honour to the RACT when members stay loyal to the club for 50 years or more," said Roger Locke, Chairman of the RACT. "When you consider that Dawn Fraser was swimming for gold at the Rome Olympics when these people first joined the RACT, and that Eric Reece was our Premier, it gives you some idea of the length of the relationship."

In a membership exceeding 185,000, some 1,200 Tasmanians have retained their RACT membership for 50 years or more.

"Those joining the special ranks of 50-year members today can account between them for more than 6,600 years of motoring experience."

Today's function in Hobart follows similar events in Launceston and Burnie. "It really is thanks to Tasmanians such as these that the RACT has enjoyed strong growth since its beginnings in 1923. So it is appropriate and fitting that through these functions we salute the loyalty of those who have contributed to our success over so many years," said Mr Locke.

The RACT reaches another milestone in November this year with the official opening of its new $17 million four storey headquarters building on the corner of Patrick and Murray streets in Hobart.

The building has been constructed to meet strict environmental guidelines, and is the biggest project ever undertaken by the RACT.

For further information: Greg Goodman (Group Chief Executive) on 0419 122 061

Stratospheric petrol prices in Tasmania - why?

Thu, 5 Aug 2010 10:58:24 EST

The RACT has been closely monitoring petrol prices over the last few weeks following complaints from motorists, and is posing a number of questions about pricing in Tasmania. The motoring body says that consumers have a right to be angry about the current situation.

Hobart consistently has the highest prices for petrol than any other capital city. Why?

Tasmania's petrol prices have edged up in the last few weeks, while the national average price has decreased. Why? (Tasmanian average price June 20: $1.32. August 1 just under $1.34. National average price June 20: $1.29. August 1: just over $1.25 according to the Australian Institute of Petroleum.)

Coles and Woolworths customers in monitored locations in Melbourne typically have not paid more than $1.30 for unleaded petrol in the last week, while Coles and Woolworths customers in centrally monitored locations in Tasmania have not paid less than $1.30. Why?

Motorists in Melbourne - who already pay less than motorists in Tasmania - enjoy a weekly benefit when prices come down for a day or two below the average. In Tasmania, motorists receive no relief from continuously high prices. Why?

The average price for a litre of unleaded petrol around Tasmania currently ranges between 133.8cpl and 134.4cpl. This compares with:
Sydney - 122.6cpl
Melbourne - 125.2cpl
Canberra - 120.9cpl
Adelaide - 122.1cpl
Darwin - 128.7cpl
Brisbane - 126.5cpl

Regional centres interstate also fare much better than Tasmania: Geelong 119.2cpl; Ballarat 120.4cpl; Albury 124.4cpl; Wollongong 123.9cpl; Newcastle 124.9cpl; Cairns 127.9cpl.

You have to go, says the RACT, to more remote parts of Australia to find prices comparable to Tasmania - towns such as Broken Hill, Bega, Mildura, Swan Hill, Port Lincoln and Mt Isa.

"Tasmanians must be left with the impression that there is a deliberate policy of petrol pricing discrimination aimed at the State," said the RACT's General Manager Public Policy & Communications, Vince Taskunas.

"Tasmanians also need to face the fact that they are being used as profit milk cows, even when they use supermarket shopper dockets.

"For instance, on July 30, when the wholesale price of petrol in Hobart was 121.1cpl, at Coles Glenorchy and Howrah motorists were paying 131.9cpl. At Coles and Woolworths in Launceston they were paying 132.7cpl.

"Compare that with 119.9cpl at Frankston, South Melbourne and Esssendon on the same day, and supermarket shoppers in Tasmania have a right to feel they are being singled out for unique and discriminatory pricing by the supermarket giants."

The RACT monitored supermarket prices for a week from July 23 to July 30 in selected areas of Melbourne and Tasmania. On Friday July 23 and Friday July 30, Melbourne motorists enjoyed prices that were lower than during other times of the week. Typically, prices in Frankston, South Melbourne and Essendon/Tullamarine were in the range of 119.9cpl to 120.9cpl. On the same day, supermarket buyers in Tasmania were typically spending 131.9cpl to 132.7cpl: up to nearly 13 cents more than Melbourne shoppers.

At other times of the week, supermarket fuel prices in Melbourne were slightly higher: typically 123.9 to 125.5cpl. Only once, did a Melbourne supermarket outlet break through the 130cpl barrier. In the meantime, Tasmanian supermarket prices hardly changed and remained in a narrow band between 131.3cpl and 133.9cpl.

"Supermarket fuel shoppers in Tasmania should be asking their store managers why they pay so much more than shoppers in Melbourne," said Vince Taskunas.

For further information:
Vince Taskunas
General Manager Public Policy and Communications
0417 005 647

ENDS 5 August 2010

RACT welcomes new technology to make roads safer

Thu, 5 Aug 2010 10:48:19 EST

The RACT has welcomed the deployment of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) devices on police cars.

According to Tasmania Police, the first device fitted is already detecting disqualified drivers behind the wheel and unregistered cars on the roads only a day after it was fitted to a police vehicle.

The RACT has lobbied strongly for the technology, and advocated for three ANPR cameras per Police District to be in operation by mid-2012 in its A Roadmap for the next Tasmanian Government document, released earlier this year (see excerpt below)

"More ANPR cameras will deter disqualified drivers ignoring their disqualification period, and will get unregistered cars off the road," said the RACT's General Manager Public Policy and Communications, Vince Taskunas.

"If you don't have a responsible attitude towards driving then you shouldn't be on the road."

"We're pleased to see the new technology is being introduced and doing its job of making our roads safer for law abiding drivers," Mr Taskunas said.

ENDS 5 August 2010

For further information: Vince Taskunas
General Manager Public Policy & Communications
0417 005 647

New ANCAP crash test website for consumers

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:14:06 EST

A new, improved website is now available to consumers offering new car buyers access to a wide range of important safety information.

Hosted by ANCAP - the Australasian New Car Assessment Program - the new website can be found at www.ancap.com.au

"The RACT strongly recommends that new vehicle buyers explore the site before making their final decision on what car to buy," said the RACT's General Manager Public Policy and Communications, Vince Taskunas.

ANCAP crash tests new cars to determine occupant safety. The RACT is both a foundation member and funder of the program.

"The new site allows greater ease of access, simplified information on ANCAP's testing regime and vehicle safety, as well as a more sophisticated search tool," said Mr Taskunas.

"It's all about letting consumers choose the safest car for themselves and their family. One RACT member recently told us that they made a final decision on what car to buy by visiting the website. They had narrowed their choice to two evenly matched vehicles, and then found on the ANCAP site that one had more airbags".

ANCAP has recently entered into a five year funding partnership with the Commonwealth which will allow increased crash testing, more research into vehicle safety and safety technology, and increased collaboration with other Crash Assessment Programs around the world.

ANCAP is supported by the Australian government, all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, all Australian state governments, the New Zealand government, and other agencies.

ENDS 27 July 2010

For further information: please contact Vince Taskunas on 0417 005 647

Travelworld wins top national travel award

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:57:15 EST

RACT Travelworld has won a prestigious award at the 2010 National Travel Industry Awards held last weekend in Sydney.

RACT Travelworld received the Award from the Australian Federation of Travel Agents in front of 950 travel industry representatives at Sydney's Westin Hotel.

RACT Travelworld had been nominated for Best Innovation Marketing - Retail Agency which was ultimately judged the winning entry in the category, beating other entries from all over Australia.

"The Award recognises two very successful events conducted for our clients during 2009," said Harvey Lennon, Chief Operating Officer of RACT Travelworld. "One of the events was a Breakfast with the Queen, where clients were invited to join us for breakfast on the MV Cartela to welcome the Cunard cruise liner, Queen Victoria, on its inaugural visit to Hobart.

"The other event comprised a series of functions around the State under the name An Evening in Europe where European travel suppliers provided advice to RACT Travelworld clients to assist with their holiday planning whether they were interested in independent travel or group travel.

RACT Travelworld had another win at the weekend awards when Jetset Travelworld Group was named Best Travel Agency Group (100 Outlets or more). RACT Travelworld is part of the Jetset Travelworld franchise network.

RACT Travelworld is Tasmania's largest locally owned travel operation. It is one of the core businesses of the RACT.

"We are currently gearing up for a series of statewide functions later this month, where together with APT, we shall be hosting information sessions on European and Russian river cruising, along with Canada and Alaska presentations". The presentations will be held in Hobart, Launceston and along the North West Coast.

ENDS 13 July 2010

For further information: Harvey Lennon

0417 582 587

Safety Checks-concerns for tyres, child restraints

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:00:48 EST

The RACT continues its free program of winter safety checks on cars this week with free checks on Wednesday, July 14, at Shoreline Shopping Centre at Howrah. RACT technicians will be on hand between 10am and 1pm.

So far, RACT technicians have conducted five checks in southern Tasmania, and the free checks move to the north this week, commencing with Launceston Kmart Racecourse Crescent on Thursday (July 15^th).

"Tyres are still a major issue in our checks," said Darren Moody, RACT General Manager Roadside and Technical Services. "So far we've found that one in five tyres aren't in a safe condition.

"We've also adjusted 90% of the child restraints we have inspected, with one completely unsafe. It had no top tether strap and was well over the age recommended by manufacturers for safe use."

RACT technicians have also noticed that many seat belts - especially the driver's belt - are showing signs of fraying and webbing damage as a result of being jammed in doors. They have also noticed a large percentage of batteries which are marginal on performance, and could fail any time, especially on cold mornings.

For further information: please contact Darren Moody on 0419 893 900.

ENDS 12 July 2010

Weather forecast demands driving adjustments

Wed, 7 Jul 2010 10:54:43 EST

With widespread frost and fog being forecast over the next two mornings, the RACT says drivers should ensure they park under cover - even if it's just a tree - during the night to protect car batteries and prevent a build up of ice on wind screens.

RACT Roadside patrols experience a spike in calls for help whenever fog and frost conditions occur.

Darren Moody, RACT General Manager of Roadside and Technical Services, says drivers also need to adjust their driving behaviour to cope with the conditions expected over the next couple of days. He says drivers should:

Slow down and be aware of black ice in shaded areas.
Brake, turn and accelerate as gently as possible.
Take special precautions approaching intersections, curves, and on steep grades.
Leave plenty of space between your car and the vehicle ahead to avoid a rear-end collision.
Drive with headlights on, but on low beam in foggy conditions.
Allow extra time to complete your journey.
If ice has accumulated on your windscreen during the night, do not use hot water to clear it. You may crack the windscreen.
Frosty conditions are hard on batteries, especially old batteries. If parking in the open overnight, it's a good idea to throw an old blanket over the car's bonnet.

Under good conditions, a driver should leave a two second gap between their car and the vehicle travelling ahead of them. During foggy and icy weather, this interval between vehicles should be at least doubled.

For further information:
Darren Moody, GM Roadside and Technical Services
0419 893 900

ENDS 7 July 2010

Pedestrian safety - no simple answer

Tue, 6 Jul 2010 16:30:31 EST

Crashes in Hobart involving pedestrians need more study and analysis. An alarming spike in injuries in the past month is definitely a cause for serious concern, says the RACT, but any solution must be based on evidence and a risk assessment approach.

So far, the only solution being promoted in the media is a blanket speed reduction. But this option is being promoted in a vacuum, without details of the causes and circumstances in which pedestrian incidents occur.

With respect to pedestrian crashes in Hobart, the RACT has posed the following questions which it believes are essential in helping to provide a real and lasting solution - and that need answering:

To what extent is speed an identified factor in Hobart pedestrian incidents over the last five years?
At what time of the day/night, based on historical data, are collisions occurring?
Where are they occurring? In the CBD, close to the CBD, or in suburbs or outside cities altogether? What is the correlation between traffic speed flows and collisions with pedestrians in these distinct areas at different times of the day/night?
What do pedestrian flows in Hobart look like, and is there any understanding of how localised engineering - tunnels, foot links - can provide solutions to improve pedestrian flows?
How many incidents occur at pedestrian crossings? How many incidents occur within 50 metres of a pedestrian crossing?
Has an audit been done to establish the appropriateness of pedestrian crossing locations? Are there too few? Are they in the right area? Are they adequately sign posted?
Is roadside lighting an issue in night time incidents? (Experts say that some street lighting in Hobart may not be up to Australian standard.)

To what extent is alcohol or drugs a factor in crashes involving pedestrians - whether it is the driver or the pedestrian?
Is pedestrian education properly resourced and implemented, both to pedestrians and drivers?
If implemented, does a blanket speed reduction solution have a set of criteria to benchmark its success? What happens if blanket speed reductions are introduced and they have little or no impact on the number of incidents?
Has appropriate baseline comparative data on the traffic volumes, pedestrian movements, and real travel speeds under a range of traffic conditions and times-of-day actually been collected? If so can it be transparently presented to ascertain whether motorists are in fact presenting over-speed-limit risks to vulnerable road-users?

A variety of infrastructure-based solutions used in many other places to reduce pedestrian and other road-user risk should be considered in Hobart, including (but not limited to):

The immediate renewal of a range of faded, worn and non-existent line markings in and around the CBD; for example upper Macquarie Street outside the Wheatsheaf building.
Variable speed limit zones, where electronic signage varies speeds in high risk areas and at high risk times, similar to the 40km/h speed zones that currently exist around schools on school days when students are arriving or leaving the school
Pedestrian light count downs, where pedestrians have the comfort of knowing how long they have to cross the road.
Phased traffic lights which include a pedestrian only phase, during which pedestrians can cross the intersection in any direction, even diagonally. This precludes the need for pedestrians to wait at two sets of pedestrian lights. Examples are common in WA and the Sydney CBD.
Roadside engineering to funnel pedestrians to pedestrian crossings by the use of railings, as occurs in other cities.
Targeted overpasses or pedestrian tunnels, as occurs in other cities (one example is Sydney's Military Road, where railings now prevent pedestrians crossing the road, but an overpass has been built to give pedestrians safe passage).

Other technology-based solutions such as intelligent on-road/in-road or vehicle-activated warnings.

The RACT is also concerned about pedestrian safety and wants to ensure that whatever measures are put in place are effective. Like many issues, there is no simple answer to road trauma, and those who advocate a blanket speed reduction only, may ultimately be doing pedestrians a disservice by failing to address other real and serious issues gleaned from a cases-by-case risk assessment.

"To suggest that reducing speed limits alone will somehow magically solve pedestrian crashes, as some are claiming, ignores the complexity of the issue," said RACT spokesman Vince Taskunas.

"The community needs to be aware that this approach is comparatively cheap - and offers increased revenue-raising potential - whereas infrastructure-based solutions cost significant amounts of money.

"The RACT holds a real concern that speed limit reductions could become more widely used as a low-cost substitute measure for adequate funding of the maintenance and replacement of road assets, or as a cheap alternative to investment in infrastructure-based road safety measures."

For further information: Vince Taskunas

See also an RACT discussion paper on this issue: http://www.ract.com.au/uploaded/9/19924_1950kmhhobartuniversityre.pdf

The RACT is a foundation member of the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) which crash tests cars to determine occupant safety, and then makes car buyers aware of the results. This program also determines pedestrian safety in impacts with different car makes, and the RACT would urge new car buyers to visit the ANCAP site at http://www.ancap.com.au/crashtesting to understand pedestrian survivability and injury in terms of different car makes and designs.

General Manager Public Policy and Communications RACT 0417 005 647

Motoring costs: canny car buyers can save

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:58:23 EST

The RACT has released the findings of its comprehensive annual survey of car motoring costs. It has found that the cost of owning and operating a car has stabilised in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis, and informed car buyers can still pick up a bargain.

Darren Moody, the RACT's General Manager, Roadside and Technical Services, said the 2010 Vehicle Operating Costs survey of 78 cars found that while costs of owning and operating a car have risen about 5.8% across all categories, many cars' costs are only slightly above where they were two years ago.

The 2010 survey also found that excellent fuel economy was no guarantee of a car gaining top spot in its category.

Australia's most fuel efficient car, the Ford Fiesta Econetic, was the cheapest in the entire survey to run at 10.47 c/km but its higher purchase price made it more expensive to own (at $156.50 a week) than all other light cars surveyed.

It was, however, significantly cheaper than the Prius ($237.05 a week) and Civic Hybrid ($205.35) in the small car category.

Korean manufacturer Hyundai continues to dominate in the light vehicle category with the Getz S taking out top spot for the fourth year in a row. It was the cheapest to own and run at $121.06 a week, up from $112.31 last year.

The most expensive vehicles were the Toyota Landcruisers with the diesel wagon costing the most at $403.69 a week, or almost $21,000 per year.

Mr Moody said vehicle depreciation was the ticking time bomb with many car buyers failing to recognise it as a major vehicle cost. "End of financial year offers by some dealers provide excellent value at well below recommended retail prices. Money saved at this initial purchase point can significantly reduce the depreciation hit during the life of the car.

"In this survey, depreciation accounts for an average 38% on any given vehicle and while car buyers are not having to pay 38 cents in every dollar of their weekly car bills now, in five years time when they are looking to trade their car that's when the depreciation costs kick in significantly," Mr Moody said.

The RACT survey takes into account everything from purchase price to service costs, the cost of fuel, tyres, insurance, registration, RACT membership, interest, stamp duty, drivers' licence, and spare parts such as windscreens and batteries.

Mr Moody said maintenance costs highlighted some surprises, although the BMW's expensive servicing wasn't one at nearly $7,500 for the five year period. "What was surprising was that the Toyota's Yaris, Prado and Rav4 were all the most expensive to maintain in their categories, even with Toyota Service Advantage limiting scheduled costs," he said.

The survey found unlike LPG vehicles interstate, which were clearly in front of their petrol only siblings, Tasmanians were paying around 25% more for LPG resulting in the dual-fuel Commodore being dearer to own than the petrol only model, and a dedicated LPG Falcon just pipping the petrol only Falcon variant.

The Hybrid version of the Camry was $18 more than the petrol Altise and the Toyota Prius was the most expensive small car in the study.

RACT calculations for the Vehicle Operating Costs survey are based on a five-year ownership period and average operating for private motorists including an average driving distance of 15,000km. The data was collected in the period leading up to early May 2010.

Full results of the 2010 surveys are available for download below.

Cheapest vehicles to own and operate in 2010

LIGHT	$/week
HYUNDAI GETZ S 3D HATCH 1.4L MANUAL	121.06
KIA RIO S 5D HATCH 1.4L MANUAL	127.82
FORD FIESTA CL 3D HATCHBACK 1.6 L MANUAL	129.96
Most Expensive in category
FORD FIESTA ECONETIC 5D HATCHBACK DIESEL TURBO	156.50
SMALL
NISSAN TIIDA 5D HATCH 1.8L AUTO	156.34
HYUNDAI i30 SX 5D HATCH 2.0L AUTO	158.52
FORD FOCUS CL 5D HATCHBACK 2.0 L AUTO	166.60
Most Expensive in category
TOYOTA PRIUS HYBRID 5D HATCH 1.8L CONTINUOUS VARIABLE	237.05
MEDIUM
MAZDA MAZDA6 4D SEDAN 2.4L AUTO	211.36
TOYOTA CAMRY ALTISE 4D SEDAN 2.4 L AUTO	213.15
FORD MONDEO 5D HATCH 2.3L AUTO	215.94
Most Expensive in category
BMW 320i LIFESTYLE 4D SEDAN 4 2.0L AUTO	331.36
LARGE
HOLDEN COMMODORE 4D SEDAN V6 3.0 L AUTO	243.44
HOLDEN COMMODORE (DUAL FUEL) 4D SEDAN 3.6 L MULTI POINT AUTO	248.22
TOYOTA AURION AT-X 4D SEDAN V6 3.5 L MULTI POINT F/INJ 6 SP AUTO SEQUENTIAL	252.21
Most Expensive in category
HONDA ACCORD V6 LUXURY 4D SEDAN V6 3.5 L AUTO	302.80
PEOPLE MOVER
KIA CARNIVAL 4D WAGON V6 2.7 AUTO	236.04
HYUNDAI iMAX 4D WAGON 2.4 AUTO	243.57
HONDA ODYSSEY 4D WAGON 2.4 L AUTO	266.45
Most Expensive in category
TOYOTA TARAGO GLi 4D WAGON 2.4 L AUTO	305.75
SUV COMPACT
HYUNDAI iX35 4D WAGON 2.0 L MANUAL	189.18
SUBARU FORESTER 4D WAGON 2.5 L AUTO	220.93
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER 4D WAGON 2.4 L AUTO	225.74
Most Expensive in category
NISSAN X-TRAIL 4D WAGON 2.0 L DIESEL TURBO AUTO	246.36
SUV MEDIUM
HOLDEN CAPTIVA 5 (4x4) 4D WAGON 2.4 L AUTO	217.49
HOLDEN CAPTIVA SX 4D WAGON 2.0 L DIESEL TURBO AUTO	240.45
FORDTERRITORY 4D WAGON 4.0 L AUTO	244.65
Most Expensive in category
TOYOTA LANDCRUISER PRADO (4x4) 4D WAGON V6 4.0 L AUTO	337.30
SUV LARGE
NISSAN PATROL DX (4x4) 4D WAGON 3.0 L DIESEL TURBO AUTO	309.46
NISSAN PATROL ST (4x4) 4D WAGON 5.0 L AUTO	336.87
TOYOTA LANDCRUISER GXL (4x4) 4D WAGON V8 4.7 AUTO	384.36
Most Expensive in category
TOYOTA LANDCRUISER GXL (4x4) 4D WAGON DTV8 4461 cc DIESEL TURBO F/INJ 6 SP AUTO	403.69
PICKUP OR CAB CHASSIS 4x2
MITSUBISHI TRITON GLX C/CHAS 2.5 L DIESEL TURBO AUTO	198.38
FORD FALCON (LPG) UTILITY 4.0 L AUTO	216.94
TOYOTA HILUX SR X CAB P/UP V6 4.0 L AUTO	218.53
Most Expensive in category
HOLDEN COMMODORE OMEGA (DUAL FUEL) UTILITY LPG6 3.6 L AUTO	227.24
PICKUP OR CAB CHASSIS 4x4
FORD RANGER XL DUAL CAB P/UP 3.0 L DIESEL TURBO AUTO	264.36
TOYOTA HILUX SR DUAL CAB P/UP 3.0 L DIESEL TURBO AUTO	272.67
NISSAN NAVARA RX DUAL CAB P/UP 2.5 L DIESEL TURBO AUTO	282.20
Most Expensive in category
TOYOTA LANDCRUISER GX C/CHAS 4.5 L DIESEL TURBO MANUAL	350.68

For further information:
Darren Moody, GM Roadside and Technical Services 0419 893 900

ENDS 22 Jun 2010

RACT's State Budget Reaction

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:22:18 EST

RACT is pleased to see the Government taking some immediate action on its infrastructure and road safety election commitments in the 2010-11 State Budget.

"We particularly welcome $430,000 allocated in this Budget year to fund an alcohol interlocks program to tackle serious and repeat drink drivers," said Vince Taskunas, RACT's public policy spokesman.

"RACT will closely watch the newly-announced system of road construction planning and approval - the so-called Structured Infrastructure Investment Review Process.

"The Treasurer has personally assured the RACT that the Government's commitments contained in the Community Roads Package announced during the election, will all be funded, but will be directed through the new process first.

"RACT will carefully monitor the situation to ensure that the new system leads to better decisions, not delays.

The commitment to investing in the future of rail freight - so crucial to safer Tasmanian roads - is welcomed in principle, but RACT queries whether it is sufficient.

A number of road safety initiatives advocated and supported by the RACT have received some funding in this Budget, including:

More high-visibility livery for existing police vehicles, and confirmation of funding for new Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras
The continued funding for the valuable Community Road Safety Partnerships (CRSP) program
Support for investigating point-to-point speed enforcement
Confirmation of funding for the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness program for all Grade 10 school students.

"RACT is seeking clarification on a Budget line item regarding $500,000 for line marking. It is not clear whether this is new and recurrent funding, or whether it will be more than just a one-off appropriation.

"What RACT does know is that poor line marking is a constant source of complaint from our members and leads to increased local road safety risk. It is a basic unit of road safety and should be funded appropriately. We have called for more new funding in this area, and will continue to do so until satisfied," said Mr Taskunas.

ENDS 17 June 2010

Media Enquiries:

Vince Taskunas,
General Manager Public Policy and Communications, RACT
0417 005 647

Another Aussie 5-Star Ute

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 08:35:57 EST

The RACT says that buyers of utilities have new cause to celebrate after the Australian made Ford Falcon utility achieved a five star safety rating in crash tests conducted last month by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), which is partly funded by the RACT.

Darren Moody, the RACT's General Manager of Roadside and Technical Services, said the 5-star ratings apply to 6 and 8-cylinder models fitted with ESC, head and chest protecting side airbags, and tunnel-mounted transmission control gear shift.

"The Ford Falcon ute is a work horse for trades people and many people living and working in rural areas. So it's great to see these vehicles achieving the highest safety rating from the ANCAP crash test program".

ANCAP has also awarded a 5-star safety rating for the BMW X1, based on crash test data from ANCAP's sister program, EuroNCAP. The Mazda2, with dual airbags, rated 4-stars. In 2008, ANCAP published a 5-star rating for the Mazda2 when optioned with 6 airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Consumers should note the difference in the various model options.

ANCAP first tested the Falcon Ute in 2008 and it earned a 4-star rating. The latest crash tests assessed the extra protection provided by the optional side airbags with head protection.

Crash research shows that head-protecting side airbags halve the risk of a brain injury in a severe side impact. An ANCAP 5-star rating ensures that the vehicle has this protection, as well as the life-saving crash avoidance technology, ESC.

"Fleet managers and new car buyers should take note of these findings, and always choose a 5-star ANCAP rated vehicle," Mr Moody said.

ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, all Australian state governments, the New Zealand government, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation. For a full list of ANCAP's vehicle safety ratings, including more commercial vehicles and other vehicle safety information, go to www.ancap.com.au

For further information:
Darren Moody, GM Roadside and Technical Services
0419 893 900

State Budget: when the rubber hits the road

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 08:30:35 EST

The RACT says it expects to see funding contained in next week's State Budget for a wide range of Government promises made before the State election, including roads, rail, and safety initiatives such as alcohol interlocks and more high visibility police cars.

In addition, RACT said the recent Engineers Australia Infrastructure Report Card 2010 for Tasmania had highlighted the need for ongoing extra funding to be committed immediately in this Budget and the forward estimates to upgrade safety levels on Tasmania's 14,600 km of local roads.

"The Budget will be the first real opportunity for the new Government to back its election commitments with real money, and the RACT will be keen to see policy announcements made before the election turned into action programs," said the RACT's public policy general manager Vince Taskunas.

"The RACT has been calling for an integrated infrastructure plan since 2003 when we wrote to then-Premier Jim Bacon. Now that the Government has produced a State Infrastructure Plan, we're looking for comprehensive funding in this Budget to action the plan, particularly in terms of roads and rail."

Prior to the election, among other items, the Labor Government also committed:

$90 million to a community roads package
$430,000 to fund an alcohol interlock program
to a trial of point to point speed cameras
to raising public awareness about default/end speed limits
funding to provide five more high visibility police vehicles per year for four years, to give the State 25 high visibility police vehicles by 2012
to continue the roll out of electronic school zone speed signs "as quickly as possible"
to "fully supporting" a greater focus of the use of on-road technology, such as high visibility LED warning signs
to the continuance of the Community Road Safety Partnerships (CRSP) program
to maintaining the Road Safety Levy at least at its current level, and
to considering a roll out of audio tactile profiled (ATP) edge and centre line marking on the Bass Highway between Launceston and Latrobe.

"The RACT will be disappointed if these issues are left out of the Budget. We have, for instance, supported and advocated the adoption of alcohol interlocks in Tasmania since our member survey in 2003 found 77% of respondents supported this tough measure for repeat drink drivers, so the program must be funded this year.

"In addition, we must see a significant increase in the funding for basic road safety improvements such as line-marking and surface condition maintenance - especially across the local road network.

"The Tasmanian government's $5m funding injection for 'pothole repairs' just prior to this year's State election (see attached Government Press Release 8 February 2010) was recognition of this problem.

"The recent Engineers Australia Report Card 2010 awarded Tasmania's local roads the second-lowest possible score of a "D" rating.

"This 'D' rating is explained as 'poor' with 'critical changes required to enable infrastructure to be fit for its current and anticipated future purposes.' Of concern is the fact this rating has dropped from the 'D+' the 2005 Report Card recorded for Tasmanian local roads five years ago.

"In the opinion of Engineers Australia, Tasmania's local roads are simply sub-standard; as a consequence they must by definition be unsafe. This Budget must address this situation by providing more recurrent funding for upgrading and maintenance of local roads.

As the 2010 Report Card states:

"The majority of the [Tasmanian] transport network is mature, and carries a high maintenance cost…Funding for replacement or rejuvenation of assets such as road pavements needs to be adequately planned and reviewed. (Page 9)

"While the significant expenditure on major infrastructure projects is important, we must also fix and properly maintain what we've got - right now," Mr Taskunas said.

For further information:
Vince Taskunas GM Public Policy and Communications
0417 005 647

Winter Car Safety Checks

Wed, 7 Jul 2010 11:02:25 EST

Winter is a time when safety on the roads becomes more critical than ever. As part of a campaign this year to cut road trauma over the winter period, the RACT is again conducting an extensive program of free winter car safety checks as a community service.

June 17- Glenorchy Central - 10am to 1pm

June 23 - K Mart New Town - 10am to 1pm

June 24 - Channel Court Kingston - 10am to 1pm

June 30 - Woolworths Sorell - 10am to 1pm

July 8 - Woolworths Huonville - 10am to 1pm

July 14 - Shoreline Shopping Centre Howrah - 10am to 1pm

July 15 - Kmart, Racecourse Cres Launceston - 10am to 1pm

July 21- Kmart Centro Burnie - 9.30am to 12.30pm

July 22 - Devonport (venue to be confirmed) - 9.30am to 12.30pm

A number of vehicles assessed during the 2009 round of free checks revealed potentially serious issues with incorrectly installed child restraints, as well as common problems such as failing batteries, poor electrical and cooling systems, balding tyres, and faulty lights.

The program of winter safety checks is a free community service by the RACT in the interests of safer motoring. It's an opportunity to run a simple health check over your car, and make sure you're covered for key safety issues in a season when driving conditions can be at their most hazardous.

Darren Moody, the RACT's General Manager, Roadside and Technical Services, is organising a team of RACT technicians to inspect motorists' cars with a focus on both winter safety and reliability, and child restraints. "Make sure your car can handle the rigours of winter, " says Darren Moody. "both in terms of your personal safety and your car's reliability."

For further information, please contact Mr Moody on 0419 893 900

RACT welcomes Federal crash testing involvement

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 08:27:22 EST

The RACT, which is a foundation member of the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), has welcomed the Federal Government's decision to contribute
$5 million to the program to increase the number of crash tests conducted on new cars entering the Australian market.

The crash tests result in safety ratings which provide consumers with vital information on occupant safety in a variety of crash scenarios involving newly produced cars.
"The involvement of the Federal Government means that the number of vehicles tested and the amount of safety information made available to new car buyers will increase markedly," said the RACT's General Manager Roadside and Technical Services Darren Moody.

The RACT and Australia's other motoring clubs have been contributing to ANCAP since its foundation in 1993. The RACT also lobbied successfully for the State Government to contribute to the program.

Over the course of these years hundreds of safety ratings have been made available to Australian new car buyers through ANCAP's crashing testing, and the complementary crash testing programs in other countries, particularly Europe.

"ANCAP is an important consumer service, and it is now working closely with most sections of the automotive industry to ensure safety is built into new cars on the Australian market. The extra funding from the federal Government will allow ANCAP's testing to cover a greater proportion of the Australian new vehicle fleet," Mr Moody said.

Since the testing began, Australians are seeing many more 4 and 5 star safety rated vehicles on the market as manufacturers respond positively to the ANCAP program.

The RACT says while it welcomes the Federal Government's injection of funds for ANCAP, it would also like to see Canberra helping to fund ANCAP's sister program, the Australian Road Assessment Program (AusRAP) - which assesses road sections for safety and awards a similar star rating based on its ability to protect motorists.

For a full list of ANCAP's vehicle safety ratings and other vehicle safety information, go to www.ancap.com.au

For further information:
Darren Moody, GM Roadside and Technical Services
0419 893 900

Tas travel group nominated for national award

Fri, 28 May 2010 12:18:54 EST

RACT Travelworld has been nominated as a finalist in this year's prestigious National Travel Industry Awards in the category: "Best Innovation in Marketing - Retail Travel Agency".

RACT Travelworld was nominated for two programs:

Breakfast with the Queen: an event built around the inaugural visit to Hobart of the new Cunard liner Queen Victoria on February 17. Some 160 clients of RACT Travelworld were hosted onboard an historic ferry to meet the ultra-modern Queen Victoria as she entered the Derwent River.

An Evening in Europe: a program which was held in Hobart, Launceston and Ulverstone in November 2009 where European travel suppliers provided advice to RACT Travelworld clients to assist with their holiday planning whether they were interested in independent travel or group travel.

RACT Travelworld is Tasmania's largest locally owned travel operation. It is one of the core businesses of the RACT, and is currently enjoying strong expansion. Recently it acquired a Burnie travel business, North West Travel, and transformed it into an active part of RACT Travelworld's statewide travel arm.

The winners of the National Travel Industry Awards will be announced on July 10 in Sydney.

RACT Travelworld is gearing up for special statewide Cruise Evenings next month (June) where it will again implement some of the initiatives that led to its nomination for the travel industry awards.

ENDS 28 May 2010

For further information

Contact Harvey Lennon on 0417 582 587

Former Roads minister to receive RACT recognition

Mon, 24 May 2010 10:10:59 EST

Date: Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Location: Burnie Club, Queen St

The Board of the RACT will be meeting in Burnie tomorrow, May 26.

Media may be interested in a plaque presentation for 16 North West Coasters who have been RACT members for the last 50 years or more.

Recipients of the plaques had - or were taking out - RACT membership at a time when Sir Robert Menzies was the Prime Minister of Australia, Eric Reece was the Tasmanian Premier, and Dwight D. Eisenhower was the US President.

Recipients will include Ian Braid, a former Minister for Main Roads (1982-1989) and Minister for Transport - including the roads portfolio - from 1992 to 1996.

Lunch is 12.30pm for 1pm and will be attended by state parliamentarians, local government representatives and business representatives.

They will hear a short address by the President of the RACT, Roger Locke, at approximately 1.10pm.

The membership ceremony will follow at about 2pm, immediately following lunch.

For further information
(on Tuesday)

Greg Goodman, Group Chief Executive
0419 122 061

RACT welcomes increased Metro services

Mon, 24 May 2010 10:15:20 EST

Increased Metro services between Kingston and the city during the morning and afternoon peaks, together with a park and ride facility at Kingston, have been welcomed by the RACT.

The motoring organisation has been advocating park and ride services for a number of years, and says it has been aware that the Government and Kingborough Council have been considering parking arrangements in Kingston for some time so as to allow the development of a park and ride service.

Today's announcement by Sustainable Transport Minister Nick McKim is therefore to be welcomed in the interests of reducing both emissions and peak period road congestion.

"The key to a park and ride service is frequency. If people have to wait too long to board a bus once they have parked their car, then the service won't work. So we're pleased to see Metro committing further buses to the route during peak periods," said the RACT's Vince Taskunas.

"Metro is now offering a stronger alternative for Kingborough commuters who simply need to get to work in the city, and then go home in the evening. The RACT would like to see similar facilities developed for commuters from Hobart's Eastern Shore and the northern suburbs, as well as the congested areas around Launceston's CBD," said Mr Taskunas.

"The RACT encourages motorists in the Kingborough region - for whom park and ride is a viable commuting alternative - to 'vote with their feet', jump on a bus and support this new initiative," he said.

ENDS 20 May 2010

Media enquiries:
Vince Taskunas, GM Public Policy & Communications
0417 005 647

Free RACT breakdown service at Agfest

Mon, 24 May 2010 10:18:22 EST

For over 10 years, the RACT has been providing a free breakdown service for visitors to Agfest.

As a service to the community, the RACT will be there again this year.

If Agfest patrons break down - whether they are RACT members or not - an RACT breakdown patrol will be on hand to assist them.

Anyone whose car suffers problems while at Agfest should contact the RACT on 13 1111.

Agfest commences tomorrow, May 6. Motorists should expect the event to generate higher levels of traffic on the Midland and Bass Highways, and particularly the approach roads to Agfest.

The RACT advises drivers to allow extra time to complete their journeys, and expect more police officers patrolling the approaches to Agfest, as well as the possibility of heightened speed camera activity.

RACT's GM Public Policy Vince Taskunas will be on-site at Agfest at the Working for a Safer Tasmania display on Thursday morning (tomorrow) 6 May. Vince can be contacted on 0417 005 647.

ENDS 5 May 2010

Media enquiries: Darren Moody on 0419 893 900

RACT: more Infrastructure & Road Safety support

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:11:52 EST

The RACT wants a senior and experienced minister to take on the complex infrastructure portfolio in the next Government. In addition, the RACT says there should be a junior minister or parliamentary secretary appointed to oversee road safety.

This precedent was set when Paul Lennon as Premier took on the Infrastructure portfolio, and appointed Graeme Sturges as a parliamentary secretary to assist him.

An important ten-year infrastructure strategy was adopted by the Government on the eve of last month's election, and a senior, experienced minister - perhaps even the Premier - is required to drive the plan, says the RACT.

"At the same time, a new three year road safety action plan is due to commence soon, and the RACT believes it needs the additional focus of an assistant minister or parliamentary secretary to steer the plan," said RACT spokesman Vince Taskunas.

"The road toll last year and into the first few months of this year makes road trauma a major cause of death and serious injury in this state, affecting families suddenly and unexpectedly across Tasmania. It requires proactive and vigorous action."

"Infrastructure is a major portfolio, and the ten-year State Infrastructure Strategy is a huge undertaking that has the RACT's fullest support. That's why we believe there needs to also be an assistant ministerial responsibility for road safety - now."

The RACT is also concerned to see speedy action on compulsory road safety education in schools. Before the election, the Greens and the Liberals committed to compulsory road safety education in schools, while the Labor Party did not.

"With much of the public policy discussion currently about education reforms and rollbacks, the RACT urges the parties to ensure that this crucial road safety education reform is not forgotten and is quickly implemented in the near future," Mr Taskunas said.

ENDS 12 April 2010

Media enquiries:

Vince Taskunas, GM Public Policy & Communications

0417 005 647

Easter fuel - don't get stranded

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:48:28 EST

Tasmanians heading off on an Easter break to other parts of the state are being advised to keep sufficient fuel in their tanks in case some more remote areas of the state are without fuel.

The RACT says it's a major problem each Christmas and Easter holiday period, with RACT breakdown patrols being called out to help stranded motorists because fuel was not available locally.

"In some regions, fuel outlets close for parts of the holiday period so that the owners can enjoy a break, too," said the RACT's Vince Taskunas.

The RACT's fuel watch program shows that at today (Wednesday) petrol prices remain stable, and uniform, around the state.

Best prices for unleaded are:

128.7 cents per litre in the North West
125.9 to 129.7 cents per litre in the North
127.4 to 128.5 cents per litre in the South

The RACT suggests that motorists wanting to check latest prices again tomorrow before departing on an Easter holiday should go to the RACT's website at www.ract.com.au/fuel_watch

ENDS 31 March 2010

Media enquiries:
Vince Taskunas, GM Public Policy & Communications
0417 005 647

“Road kill” claims down

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 10:36:51 EST

But stay alert for the Bunnies and Bilbies this Easter

Each year RACT Insurance releases figures on policy holders' claims related to animals on roads and road kill in Tasmania in the previous 12 months. In 2010, there is some good news.

Figures for claims in calendar year 2009 show a 10% decrease in the incidence of road kill claims and claims for crashes and damage caused when drivers swerve to avoid animals on the road.

"This is the first decrease in a number of years," said Trent Sayers, Chief Executive of RACT Insurance. "There were 514 claims relating to animals on the road in 2009, compared to 577 in 2008."

In 2009, the average cost of repairs to a vehicle was also down, from $1,776 in 2008 to $1,714 last year.

With Easter now fast approaching, and many people preparing for a trip into the bush, RACT Insurance is warning motorists to be ready to encounter animals on the road, particularly around dawn and dusk. "Hitting an animal can be expensive for both parties, and a sudden swerve to avoid an animal can be just as costly," said Trent Sayers.

"While RACT Insurance has taken a close interest in the work of experts in the area of road kill, animal behaviour is not an area where we claim expertise. However, one reason our claims experience declined last year may be weather related. One of the wettest years on record may have kept animals in the bush, instead of seeking out pools of water by the roadside."

Most claims in 2009 covered incidents which occurred at dawn and dusk. Claims during the autumn months decreased by 6% but were up 4% over spring.

"While 50% of claims occurred between 5pm and 11pm, it was significant that 12% of claims occurred between 4am and 7am. Given the low volumes of traffic on the roads at this time, the dawn period is clearly a dangerous time for both animals and motorists," said Mr Sayers.

While claims came from all over the State, the main concentration of incidents were, in order, the Derwent Valley/Southern Central Highlands, and Launceston, followed by the Boat Harbour area and Brighton/Southern Midlands.

Claims by species
Wallabies (and kangaroos) 76% (81% in 2008)
Wombats 6% (3% in 2008)
Possums 3% (same as 2008)
Unknown 'animal' 3% (same as 2008)
Domestic animals 9% - including cows, horses, dogs cats, and sheep (8% in 2008)

Major claims by District

South
Wallabies (and kangaroos) 75%
Wombats 7%
Dogs 6%
Possums 5%
Unknown Animal 4%

North
Wallabies (and kangaroos) 80%
Wombats 6%
Dogs 5%

North West
Wallabies (and kangaroos) 73%
Dogs 9%
Wombat 4%
Possum 4%

Wallabies, and possibly in some cases kangaroos - although claimants tend to be confused by the difference - accounted for the largest proportion of incidents involving animals.

The average cost of repairs following an animal related claim have decreased slightly in 2009:

$2,900 for a deer, although one major collision resulted in a repair bill of $16,000*
$2,775 for a large domestic animal such as a horse or cow
$1,524 for wallabies (and possibly kangaroos)
$2,221 for a wombat
$2,131 for a dog:
$2,056 for a possum

*There was a relatively small number of claims relating to deer: six in total.

The RACT is also a strong supporter of the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program - Roadkill Project, which is collecting information to help determine how significant roadkill is to the survival of populations already depleted by Devil Facial Tumour Disease.

ENDS

For further information:
Trent Sayers, Chief Executive Officer
0401 993 926

Easter holiday makers: check your tyres

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:35:24 EST

Following an horrific weekend on wet Victorian roads, Tasmanians packing their cars for the Easter break are being asked to check their tyres, as well as their cars' mechanical health. Five people died on damp Victorian roads last weekend.

RACT Technicians conducting free winter safety checks on cars in shopping centre car parks around the state last year found that 27% of vehicles had one or more tyre either bald, or with so little depth of tread that it was illegal.

"Tyres are critical to a safe journey," says the RACT's General Manager Roadside and Technical Services, Darren Moody, "If they are bald or have too little depth of tread, then they can't grip the road properly and can turn a car into an uncontrollable missile when braking is required, especially in damp conditions.

"Just one defective tyre can alter the balance between a safe and an unsafe journey. Car owners shouldn't think that because one tyre is defective and the rest are okay, then their journey will be a safe one. It just takes one defective tyre to alter a car's handling ability."

Last winter's safety checks also showed that one third of vehicles had tyres that were under inflated. "Under inflation reduces the life of your tyre, and the handling of a vehicle. It can affect braking distances, and it also increases fuel consumption."

Mr Moody says people heading off on motoring trips over Easter should check their tyres for under inflation and baldness. Each tyre has four to six tread wear indicator bars which are built into the tyre, and traverse the width of the tyre. When the existing tread of a tyre wears down to the level of the indicators it means the tyre no longer has sufficient tread, and needs to be replaced to ensure safe motoring.

The RACT is also recommending that holiday makers do a few simple checks on their cars to make sure that windscreen wipers are effectively dispersing water from the windscreen, and that all lights are working properly, including trailer and caravan lights.

Cooling systems are also a frequent source of breakdowns on a longer trip with a load of luggage onboard, and if a car hasn't been kept to its regular servicing schedule, the RACT recommends trying to book it in before Easter for a mechanical check.

ENDS 29 March 2010

Media enquiries: Darren Moody on 0419 893 900

All three parties respond to RACT’s Roadmap

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:46:19 EST

The RACT is looking forward to improvements in road safety over the term of the next Tasmanian Government following the responses it has now received from the three major political parties to its Roadmap for the Next Tasmanian Government.

The RACT's Roadmap, released in February, listed 50 recommendations to further the cause of safer drivers in safer cars on safer roads.

"We wrote to the leaders of the three major political parties asking them to formally respond to the document prior to this weekend's State Election. Their responses are now posted in full at www.ract.com.au along with a comparison document," said the RACT's public policy manager, Vince Taskunas.

"Generally, we've had a positive response to our recommendations from the political parties, although some of the answers are ambiguous," said Mr Taskunas.

"Nevertheless, on key issues we detect some important commitments, and a willingness by the parties to think strategically about the future, for example:

In infrastructure planning which has been bedeviled for decades by short-term election commitments, the RACT's long-term view has come to be accepted.
On linking road fine collections to road safety initiatives, the three parties have given support. The Liberals were the most direct, saying that "the revenue from speed cameras should be quarantined to be used for road safety measures, including public education and physical infrastructure".
On alcohol interlocks to address repeat drink-drive offenders, the ALP has made a specific $430,000 commitment to implement an alcohol interlock program, while the other two parties have committed to either supporting or continuing to develop such a program.
On the need for pre-sale safety inspections for second-hand cars, only The Greens have committed to the RACT's position, with Labor saying it is "under consideration" for the next Tasmanian Road Safety Strategy Action Plan and the Liberals will "continue to consider" all policies to reduce unsafe vehicles.
Both Labor and Liberal have committed much-needed new funding for linemarking, which the RACT considers is the basic unit of road safety; with the Liberals making a specific promise to direct $6 million towards audible tactile profiled markings (rumble strips) in particular on the Bass Highway.
Since before the 2006 state election the RACT has campaigned for compulsory road safety education in year 10 in all Tasmanian schools. "We've now arrived at the point where the Liberals and Greens support our position, while the ALP in Government has developed a TCE accreditation model for the program, but stops short of advocating that it should be compulsory part of the curriculum," said Mr Taskunas.

"Road safety throughout the last four years has been a hot topic in the Tasmanian media. The RACT's Roadmap represents 50 key recommendations and Tasmanians who wish to weigh up their vote based on the parties' commitment to road safety should read the responses on our website," said Mr Taskunas.

See http://www.ract.com.au/news_and_issues/news_archives/news/19854

ENDS 18 March 2010

Media enquiries:
Vince Taskunas, GM Public Policy & Communications
0417 005 647

Party commitments to road safety - on RACT website

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:00:48 EST

The RACT says a number of election campaign announcements on road safety have been positive to date and it has posted an analysis of the parties' commitments on its website.

Earlier this year, the RACT unveiled a comprehensive Roadmap for the next Tasmanian Government, listing 50 recommendations to further the cause of "safer drivers in safer cars on safer roads" in Tasmania.

"The RACT wrote to the three party leaders asking for a formal response to the Roadmap's recommendations by Wednesday this week (March 10). So far the Liberals have replied, addressing each of the fifty recommendations, but there has been no formal response from Labor or the Greens," said RACT spokesman Vince Taskunas.

"We've also conducted an analysis of the daily process of policy announcements and campaign election promises that have been made so far, with our Roadmap as the benchmark and frankly, we're hoping for some big announcements in what is left of the election campaign, in particular from Labor and the Greens."

"The results of our analysis have now been posted on the RACT website at http://www.ract.com.au/news_and_issues," Mr Taskunas said. "This allows voters to compare the parties' current responses to the RACT's fifty Roadmap recommendations. We will do a further update to this document in the days before polling day."

Mr Taskunas said that many of the announcements to date are positive. "Labor's welcome announcement that they will introduce an alcohol interlocks program for repeat drink-drive offenders is something the RACT has consistently supported.

"The Greens' $32.5m package to revitalise rail will help get more freight off our already overstretched roads, and the Liberals' $6 million announcement for audible tactile line markings on roads is an important measure to combat fatigue and inattention.

"We're pleased to see a Liberal commitment to utilise speed camera revenue specifically for road safety, rather than simply placing the funds in general revenue, along with Liberal support for many of the Roadmap's recommendations.

"The RACT is also encouraged that both the Greens and the Liberals have committed to compulsory road safety education in schools. This is an issue the RACT has passionately advocated since before the 2006 election.

The RACT has expressed disappointment that it hasn't heard more details from the ALP or the Greens. "We can only be hopeful that this means these parties intend making a significant announcement on their priorities to improve road safety in the seven days ahead," Mr Taskunas said.

ENDS 12 March 2010

For further information:
Vince Taskunas, GM Public Policy & Communications
0417 005 647

Hobart Airport: end the uncertainty

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:11:52 EST

RACT Travelworld, the largest Tasmanian owned and operated travel agency in the state, says uncertainty about the future of airline schedules into Hobart is causing confusion with the travelling public and the industry.

The uncertainty has been created by a dispute over airport fees between the airport owner, Macquarie Airports (MAp), and airlines.

"Travel is moving back into top gear after the global financial crisis last year, and the last thing that the Tasmanian tourism industry and potential travellers need now is a question mark over the viability of airline services into Hobart," said RACT Travelworld's Harvey Lennon.

"At least 300,000 Australian motoring club members travel into and out of Hobart airport each year, and now that this issue has attracted national media attention, the Minister - irrespective that an election campaign is underway - needs to give this matter some urgent attention."

The Minister, Michelle O'Byrne, said last week that an outcome had 'yet to be reached' in the dispute between Jetstar and Hobart Airport over airport fees.

"The industry and our customers need reassurance about future airline schedules, and we'd welcome an urgent update from the Minister on when - or if - some sort of agreement will be reached.

"We realise this is a busy time for the Minister, with an election campaign underway, but this is an important matter for the State, requiring close and urgent attention.

"Given the current up-turn in travel, we should be looking for opportunities to enhance rather than diminish the profile of Hobart as a travel gateway for the state," said Mr Lennon.

For further information:
Harvey Lennon, Chief Operating Officer
0417 582 587

ENDS 10 March 2010

Speed Cameras: Where is the Auditor's Report?

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:01:39 EST

The RACT wants the next Tasmanian Government to take heed of a special report from the Tasmanian Auditor-General's office late last year on speed camera operations, and to implement the recommendations.

The Audit Office made 10 recommendations which the RACT says should be reviewed and implemented as soon as possible.

"The RACT would like to hear from the Government what action they have taken since the report was handed down in relation to each of the 10 recommendations," said RACT spokesman Vince Taskunas.

"We would also like to hear the opinions of the Liberals and the Greens on what their response to the Report's recommendations are," he said.

"In particular, the Report drew attention to the deployment of speed detection devices, and found that some may be being used in the wrong places.

"It found that a disproportionate percentage of speed camera enforcement was occurring in 40-60 km/h zones, despite a higher percentage of fatal and serious crashes occurring in 100 and 110km/h zones.

"While the RACT accepts the need for enforcing all speed zones, when speed detection devices are over-deployed in low speed areas, motorists become cynical about their operation. The RACT wants all motorists to regard speed cameras as an aid to safety on the roads - which they are.

The Auditor-General also recommended that more fixed cameras should be used in Tasmania, a measure RACT has consistently lobbied for.

"The RACT's recently-released 'Roadmap' document advocated a strategy of multiple fixed speed camera sites in Tasmania as a cost-effective speed reduction measure," Mr Taskunas said. "At any one time, only a small number of cameras might be mounted at some of the sites, and they would be rotated regularly so that passing motorists would have to treat every site as 'live'.

"Unmanned fixed speed cameras in high-speed zones would be more cost-effective, and would free up resources for additional covert or high-visibility enforcement operations."

In addition, the RACT recommended that a new link be established between the collection of speeding fines and the investment of that revenue to make local roads safer, by quarantining a percentage of the revenue for this purpose to set aside as a new Local Road Maintenance Fund.

"An obvious connection between speed camera revenue and road safety improvements would go a long way to addressing some motorists' cynical views of speed enforcement," Mr Taskunas said.

Click here to download the RACT's "Roadmap for the Next Tasmanian Government"

ENDS 24 Feb 2010

For further information:
Vince Taskunas, GM Public Policy & Communications
0417 005 647

Kettering precinct promises welcomed

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:22:28 EST

The RACT says it will keep the two main political parties to their promises on Bruny Island ferry access at Kettering.

Through its Southern Regional Advisory Committee, the RACT has taken a close interest over several years in the congested ferry access at Kettering.

"We've been concerned that the facilities are inappropriate and dangerous, both for motorists queuing to get onto the ferry, and local residents and pedestrians," said RACT spokesman Vince Taskunas.

Yesterday, the Liberal Party promised to upgrade the ferry access and surrounds, following an earlier, similar commitment by the Labor Government.

"Local residents, pedestrians, commuters, tourists, and Tasmania's travel brand itself will all benefit from a Government focus on fixing congestion, services and road safety around the Bruny Island ferry terminal," Mr Taskunas said.

"It is also heartening to hear that consideration is being given to an additional ferry service operating alongside the Mirambeena to address the growing peak period demand

"The traditional two-week peak period starting Boxing Day has, over the last few years, grown strongly and now covers at least six weeks starting mid-December and extending to the end of January.

Mr Taskunas said the RACT's Southern Regional Advisory Committee's meeting in Hobart last night reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to the need for urgent action at Ferry Road in Kettering.

"The RACT has spent over three years lobbying on this matter, and we expect the next Tasmanian Government to get on with safety and access improvements early in its term following the March 20 election."

ENDS 17 Feb 2010

For further information:
Vince Taskunas General Manager, Public Policy and Communications 0417 005 647

Greens support for RACT call to three parties

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:15:01 EST

The Tasmanian Greens today gave in-principle support to the policy asks presented by the RACT to all three parties, highlighting the urgent need for a major boost to public transport infrastructure and the need to implement road safety and awareness education in all Tasmanian schools.

Follow the Roadmap: RACT Election Challenge

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:27:53 EST

The RACT has thrown down a challenge to the three political parties to adopt one of the most significant and comprehensive set of recommendations the RACT has ever has developed for road safety on our increasingly busy roads.

This document has been developed over more than six months with input from members, the RACT's three regional advisory committees, state and federal specialists, and Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs.

Our recommendations represent a most comprehensive response to the tragedy of road trauma and our challenge to the next Tasmanian Government is this: will you make cut-through and decisive decisions to implement these recommendations, all of which come from people and experts within the community whose views the RACT respects enormously?

The RACT Roadmap has been sent to all main parties and candidates, and is available for download below.

Deploy ANPR cameras, don’t delay: RACT

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:32:00 EST

Tasmania Police needs more Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras - as soon as possible - to enable a greater capacity to detect unregistered or stolen vehicles and unlicensed drivers on Tasmania's roads, says the RACT.

RACT spokesman Vince Taskunas said that the motorists' organisation was disappointed to learn today that Tasmania Police will not receive four ANPR cameras, promised in September last year, until sometime in the second half of 2010, at the earliest.

"It is grossly unfair to motorists that increases in monetary penalties and demerit points for speeding offences have already commenced late last year, but the promised ANPR cameras - that will lead to safer roads for motorists - are being delayed," Mr Taskunas said.

"RACT understood that the Premier's statement on 3 September 2009 meant that Tasmania Police would receive one new ANPR camera for each of the four Police Command Districts; a measure we know is strongly supported by Police.

"In addition, RACT understood that the 'package of measures' would be funded in this financial year. Today's announcement says only 'with a further four cameras to be funded next financial year.'"

"The RACT has repeatedly called for this proven technology-based road safety measure to be adopted across Tasmania's road network, including a request for three ANPR cameras per Police Command District in our Budget submission last year," Mr Taskunas said.

"The spotlight must be put firmly on unregistered vehicles and unlicensed drivers on our roads (the two often go together), as they pose significant risks to the rest of the law-abiding road-users, and they persistently recur in Tasmania's serious casualty crash statistics.

"What the government should be doing is immediately quarantining the additional revenues from higher monetary penalties - as the Premier promised he would - and buying those ANPR cameras one-by-one.

"Victoria, the only State in Australia that is consistently meeting its national serious casualty targets, already has Sensor Dynamics mobile ANPR equipment deployed on its roads - and the UK started their national roll-out of over 2,000 ANPR cameras in 2005!" Mr Taskunas said.

ENDS 28 Jan 2010

For further information:
Vince Taskunas, GM Public Policy & Communications
0417 005 647

Reference:

Using technology 2: ANPR cameras for unregistered and unlicensed

It is the RACT's view that these numbers of cameras should be increased to at least three in each District, as soon as Budget considerations allow it. There are strong, persistent links between unlicensed drivers/unregistered vehicles and serious motor vehicle crashes, and ANPR is a highly targeted, cost-effective, proven technology solution to combat the problem. RACT understands that the cost of an ANPR camera is around $60,000+

- excerpt from RACT's Tasmanian Budget Submission 2010-2011 The full text of the Submission is located at http://www.ract.com.au/news_and_issues/news_archives/news/19412

Premier needs to lobby Canberra on Hobart Airport

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:42:45 EST

RACT Group Chief Executive Greg Goodman said Premier David Bartlett must lobby his Federal colleagues in Canberra to bring about a quick resolution to the departure screening service shortfall at HobartInternationalAirport.

The RACT now understands that the operation of only one screening outlet has been the norm since around July 2009. Passengers departing Hobart since then have regularly experienced the sorts of waiting times at the security checkpoint, as recently reported by RACT Travelworld customers.

"It is unacceptable for people departing Hobart by air to have to put up with these delays. This is our capital city, the major hub for our tourist industry and having only one machine working at main departure times is scandalous. The Premier needs to talk urgently to the responsible Federal Minister, Anthony Albanese - and get it fixed," Mr Goodman said.

The Australian Government contracts out the departure screening service in Hobart to Qantas, who in turn sub-contract the service to a local security company. The RACT understands that under the terms of the contract, there are no customer service guarantees, KPIs, or service level agreements.

"Luckily, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd departed Hobart airport through the freight apron on Tuesday night - or no doubt the PM and his entourage would have experienced similar frustration."

Mr Goodman said he had written to Minister Albanese, urging him to find a quick solution.

"The Tourism 21* growth target by 2017 is to increase Tasmania's share of interstate trips in Australia from 4.2% to 6.5%.

"As Tourism 21 says: 'We want them [visitors] to talk about the highlights of their trip with friends and family and set the date for their next visit' ** - not lament the frustrating waiting time at Hobart airport!" Mr Goodman said.

"I also understand that some estimates have put the effect on visitor numbers of an operational Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) at an additional seven hundred visitors per day. Absolutely brilliant - but how will one screening machine cope with those extra departures?" he said.

"The RACT is calling on the Premier to act swiftly and get this fixed. After all it is Tasmania that is copping the flak in the conversations across the aisles, as the planes leave the Hobart airport tarmac.

ENDS

For further information: Greg Goodman Group Chief Executive 0419 122 061

References: * Tourism 21 Our Vision and Goals p7 (Increase target by 2017, based on 2007 levels.)
** 6.8 Satisfying Our Customers p20
Tourism 21 http://www.tourismtasmania.com.au/publications/tourism_21 is the strategic business plan to improve the performance, competitiveness and structural efficiency of Tasmania's tourism industry.

Qantas response a great result

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:23:50 EST

An imminent announcement that Qantas will shortly re-open the second security checkpoint at the HobartAirport departure gate is most welcome, says the RACT.

RACT spokesman Vince Taskunas said he was pleased Qantas had taken seriously the RACT's calls to fix the situation and had moved quickly to restore the service levels.

The RACT understands that Qantas will be providing additional contractors for two four-hour shifts on the second x-ray machine during the peak departure times of 0500-0900 hrs and 1400-1800 hrs, daily.

"The previous situation, with only one scanner working, was most unsatisfactory. After raising the issue publicly yesterday, we have been contacted by a number of travellers, each with their own tale of frustration - but all pleased the RACT was doing something about it," Mr Taskunas said.

"This really is a win for commonsense, for Tasmania - and for all travellers and the RACT is grateful on behalf of all of them that the service levels will now be restored to their expectations," Mr Taskunas said.

ENDS 21 Jan 2010

For further information:
Vince Taskunas, GM Public Policy & Communications
0417 005 647

RACT: What is with the line-up at Hobart Airport?

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:15:11 EST

The RACT is seeking answers as to why only one x-ray security machine is in operation at the HobartAirport departure gate, when two are installed.

RACT spokesman Vince Taskunas said the situation was causing significant delays to travelers, leading to some distress and panic amongst those affected.

"RACT members phoned us angrily yesterday afternoon, complaining that at about 4:30pm, the line of passengers waiting for the scanner was at least one hundred and fifty metres long!" Mr Taskunas said.

"This is unnecessary, and is compounded by the fact that passengers are filing past the other machine which is sitting there idle. Keeping people waiting in lines for fifteen minutes or longer is just not on, especially with tight departure schedules.

Mr Taskunas said the RACT was urging Hobart International Airport Pty Ltd to sort out this problem as soon as possible.

"If it is a staffing issue, then put on more staff. If the machine is somehow unserviceable, then get it fixed. One way or the other, the airport's operators need to resolve this - and fast," he said.

ENDS

For further information, Vince Taskunas, GM Public Policy and Communications 0417 005 647

RACT Insurance annual list of strange claims

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:36:06 EST

Introducing Wii as a new source of mayhem...

…then there was the bloke obeying the instructions of his sat nav, It said turn left, so he did, straight through a fence and into a field. It was one of the many unusual insurance claims to be received by RACT Insurance in 2009.

Each year, RACT Insurance staff compile a list of the claims that fall into an unofficial category they call would-you-believe-it.

In previous years, the list has included a hunter who accidentally shot up his own car, and a young driver who tried to flick a cigarette butt out the window, and rolled his car when the butt blew back in, and started smouldering down his shirt front.

"Technology always plays its part in the RACT Insurance list of good reasons to be insured," says Trent Sayers, Chief Executive of RACT Insurance, "such as our very first appearance of a Wii claim in 2009."

Animatedly playing tennis in front of the TV screen, one of the children let go of a games console which flew through the air and smashed a valuable leadlight glass ornament on top of the TV cabinet.

In fact, children again featured prominently in the 2009 list such as:

The kids who were playing a boisterous game in the garden with grandpa's old golf clubs, and failed to notice the game had moved into their grand mother's living room, until an expensive ceiling light received the full force of a golf club wielded by a youngster.

Another grand mother whose grandchildren unplugged the power point for the freezer so they could re-charge their mobile phones. They forgot to re-connect the freezer when grandma drove them off for a three day break. She returned home to a strange smell in her kitchen.

Little Johnny tended to get car sick, and on this occasion unfortunately an expensive portable dvd/cd player was on the seat next to his booster. It hasn't worked since.

Running water is a source of fascination for small children. On this occasion, the youngster turned on a bathroom tap, extracted a few moments entertainment from watching the water gurgle out, and wandered off to find something else to do. The bathroom and outside lobby area were flooded before adults realised what was happening.

A child thought the car CD player was a good place to put coins. After all, it kind of looks like a slot machine. The CD player needed replacing.

Another strange claim involved the issue of crime and punishment. Police were chasing an alleged offender who ran through our policy holder's wooden gate. It was closed, and a somewhat sore alleged offender subsequently helped police with their inquiries while RACT Insurance replaced the splintered gate.

To boating, and there was a nasty incident involving a boat and its mast. It actually happened several kilometres from the water when the mast of a boat being trailered became entangled in branches over-hanging the road. Damage to boat and trailer was considerable.

After a pleasant day's fishing, everything went down hill for another policy holder. His car became bogged at the fishing ground, and the tide came in. Result? Extensive water damage to the car's interior.

Sometimes the problem with small boats occurs when one wishes to spend a penny. On this occasion, the policy holder became quite frantic, and motored rather too fast for the public toilets he could see on the foreshore. His boat hit the rocks quite hard. No injuries onboard, but a fair bit of damage.

Animals also feature in the insurer's list of wacky claims. One policy holder was surprised when a sheep smashed through her ceiling-to-floor lounge room window. Hot on its heels came her pet pooch, obviously enjoying the fun of the chase.

Then there was the horse - actually it was a plastic rocking horse - which got swept away in one of the many gales last year, and smashed through a window. It's a reminder, says Mr Sayers, that we live in a windy part of the world, and outdoor objects such as trampolines, children's swing sets and rocking horses, all need to be securely attached to the ground; otherwise they can become lethal missiles.

"After investigation, all the claims on our list have been paid out, but it does point to the need for Tasmanians to be adequately insured, because you never know when a sheep is going to burst through your lounge window, or when your navigation device is going to take control of your brain and make you obey its every command, even the wrong ones."

ENDS

For further information, Mr Sayers on 0401 993 926

What's in a hand bag?

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:47:48 EST

The average person now leaves home with up to $1,000 worth of personal effects on them. RACT Insurance says it can be a lot to lose in the event of having your handbag stolen.

A quarter of all the insurer's Personal Effects claims are for stolen handbags, where multiple valuables are lost.

The most common personal effects stolen are small devices such as mobile phones, small digital cameras, and ipods/mp3 players - nearly 40% of total stolen claims, says the Chief Executive of RACT Insurance, Trent Sayers. They are followed by sunglasses, laptops, and GPS devices.

"A decade ago, a lost handbag wouldn't have contained as much pocket-sized technology, and people should consider the value of what they put in their hand bag each time they go out.

"You only need to lose a bag containing a personal organiser and an Ipod, and you're already up to nearly $1,000 worth of lost value, not to mention the inconvenience of losing the material you have stored on these devices."

Mr Sayers said owners should be alert for their property when they were out and about, and should also ensure they are adequately insured. "Typically, handbag theft occurs in busy retail environments when people put their handbags in a shopping trolley, or let them hang from the trolley's handle bars.

"It's also easy to put down a handbag for a moment or two where it is out of sight, to find that an opportunistic thief has stolen it.

"While theft is an issue, most of our claims are for personal effects which are simply lost, but the result can be the same: inconvenience and money down the drain if you are not insured."

Mr Sayers said people should be mindful that each time they stepped outside the home, they had about their person a valuable collection of personal items. "It's a case of being more security conscious than we were before," said Mr Sayers.

ENDS

For more information, Mr Sayers on 0401 993 926

Boaters warned: Grief can start in the drive way

Mon, 4 Jan 2010 09:19:28 EST

Recreational boaters this holiday season are being advised that safety doesn't just begin at the boat ramp. Data from RACT Insurance shows that many boaters come to grief in their own back yard, or on the way to the boat ramp.

Unlike the glamour yachts taking out line honours in the Sydney-Hobart, more than 90% of the Tasmanian recreational boating fleet is made up of runabouts, commonly called "tinnies". The popularity of these small craft is reflected in the type of vessels insured by RACT Insurance. 60% of its boat portfolio is made up of small runabouts.

"Over 30% of our claims are for incidents that occur on land," said Trent Sayers, Chief Executive of RACT Insurance. "Most commonly, they relate to trailers, with boats being damaged while being loaded or unloaded, or while being towed.

"Incidents quite common to our claims experience include engine propellers dragging on the road on the back of a trailer, boats being dropped and damaged while being put onto or off a trailer, boats either partially or fully coming adrift from their trailer while being towed, or even wheels coming off trailers, and trailers un-hitching.

"In other words, if you're going boating, you need to be vigilant from the moment you retrieve your tinny from the back shed."

Last financial year, 13% of the insurer's total boat claims were for theft, either accessories stolen off boats, or engines stolen from boats, particularly outboards and auxiliary engines.

"If your boat is kept on a mooring, try and take equipment such as safety flares, depth sounders, GPS plotters, and life jackets home with you, and if you're storing your tinny away, try to make sure the outboard engine is securely stored.

"Leaving a dingy on a trailer outside the shack overnight, with the outboard engine attached, is a tempting offer for an opportunistic thief."

ENDS

This Christmas keep your tanks topped up

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:13:51 EST

If you're driving away to a holiday destination over Christmas, make sure you've got enough petrol or diesel to see you through your journey.

The RACT is warning that fuel can be hard to obtain over the next two weeks or so in some parts of the State, particularly on Christmas Day, and the days immediately afterwards. December 24 to December 26 can be especially bad for fuel availability in smaller centres, but the problem can also occur at other times over the holiday period.

"In smaller and more remote locations, some retailers take a break, and their fuel outlets are closed," said the RACT's General Manager, Roadside and Technical Services, Darren Moody.

"Travellers should ensure they have enough fuel to complete their journey, without relying on small country locations being open to top them up. Safest option is keep your tank topped up as you pass through more substantial city and country centres.

"Each year, the RACT receives calls for help from motorists who have run out of fuel, particularly on the East and West coasts. So plan your journey ahead."

The RACT also asks Tasmanians to alert friends who may be coming from interstate that a fuel availability issue may affect them in some smaller centres of the State if they don't have sufficient in their tank to get them from one major centre to the next.

Each Christmas Day, RACT receives as many as 30 calls for help from motorists who have run out of petrol due to availability problems, often in remote locations.

ENDS

For further information:
Darren Moody, GM Roadside and Technical Services 0419 893 900

5 Star Christmas Cheer for Car Buyers

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:16:16 EST

New car buyers looking for that major Christmas or end-of-year purchase have a number of new 5-star safety vehicles to choose from, says Darren Moody, the RACT's General Manager, Roadside and Technical Services.

Australia's leading vehicle safety advocate, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), partly funded by the RACT, has released a number of 4 and 5-star ratings for vehicles prior to Christmas and, importantly, the Federal Government's 50 per cent tax incentive on commercial vehicles, which ends on New Year's Eve.

ANCAP released new 5-star ratings for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Mazda3 with side curtains and the Volkswagen Passat CC. Current 5-star ratings were extended to additional variants of the Ford Mondeo, Focus and Fiesta and the Volkswagen Passat.

An existing 4-star rating was extended to all versions of the Mitsubishi Triton ute. The Triton now joins the 4-star Falcon Ute and 5-star Commodore Ute as a commercial utility that has head-protecting side curtains and electronic stability control available.

"It means a great choice of 5-star vehicles for buyers in the market, and all the more reason to beware of cars with less than 4 stars," said Mr Moody.

Despite earning a 5-star rating for occupant safety, the pedestrian protection rating for the Mazda3 was disappointing, with 2 stars out of 4. The E-Class earned 3-stars from Euro NCAP, but this was with an advanced pop-up bonnet that will not be available in Australia for several more weeks.

"All other pedestrian results in today's release have been previously published by ANCAP and range from 1 star for the Triton to 3 stars for the Fiesta and Golf."

For a full list of ANCAP's vehicle safety ratings, including more commercial vehicles, and other vehicle safety information, go to www.ancap.com.au ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, all Australian state governments, the New Zealand government, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.

For further information:
Darren Moody, GM Roadside and Technical Services 0419 893 900

Save fuel & still get 5 star safety

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 17:08:13 EST

Low fuel consumption cars can also achieve the highest safety ratings, according to the RACT, following the release of new safety rating results by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

ANCAP - partly funded by the RACT - has issued crash test results showing that the Mini Cooper diesel hatch, the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic diesel hatch, the Volvo C30 diesel hatch, and all models of Toyota's environmental flagship, the hybrid Prius, have all achieved a 5-star safety rating.

Darren Moody, the RACT's General Manager Roadside and Technical Services, said the results show new car buyers they can save fuel and also get 5-star safety. "These ratings show that that manufacturers can make a range of fuel efficient vehicles which do not compromise safety results," Mr Moody said.

Other ANCAP results show the recently released Subaru Liberty Exiga and the upgraded Hyundai Santa Fe with 4 cylinder engine also achieved 5-star ANCAP ratings. The Honda City sedan achieved a 4-star rating. The results released today are from crash tests undertaken by ANCAP in Australia and by ANCAP's sister organisation EuroNCAP, to internationally recognised protocols.

"Consumers can also see from today's results that Subaru continues to achieve 5-star ANCAP results across all its range and that Hyundai with their 4 cylinder Santa Fe have improved their model to also achieve a 5-star ANCAP result. The Honda City missed out on 5 stars because ESC is not available. ANCAP has required ESC for 5 stars since the beginning of 2008, so the lack of ESC for the City is disappointing."

All of the 5-star models include head-protecting side airbags or curtains, antilock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and electronic stability control (ESC) as standard. Importantly the results apply to all models in the various ranges, not only luxury specified vehicles.

There were mixed results for pedestrian protection, with the City, Exiga and Fiesta ECOnetic achieving 3 out of 4 stars. The upgraded Santa Fe improved from zero to one star.

ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, all Australian state governments, the New Zealand government, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation. For a full list of ANCAP's vehicle safety ratings, and other vehicle safety information, go to www.ancap.com.au

Increasing incidence of roundabout crashes

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 11:52:16 EST

RACT Insurance says Tasmanian motorists are increasingly finding roundabouts confusing, and is urging governments to consider an awareness campaign on round about rules.

RACT Insurance is alarmed by an analysis of its claims data which shows that insurance claims for crashes approaching or in round abouts has increased by 40% in just the last three years, compared to the previous three years.

"This increase is a matter of considerable concern and highlights the need to consider further awareness programs in terms of the safe use of roundabouts," said Trent Sayers, Chief Executive of RACT Insurance.

"For most claims lodged, we know how the crash occurred, providing us with a fairly clear indication of the scope of the problem," said Mr Sayers.

Overwhelmingly on top of the list of causes are cars being rear ended when slowing or stopping on the approach to a roundabout

The second biggest issue involves crashes on a roundabout when vehicles entering the roundabout fail to give way to traffic already in the roundabout.

The third most common problem involves crashes on multi lane roundabouts, where vehicles change lanes

Most claims received by RACT Insurance relate to crashes in the state's South. "There were, for instance, more claims involving the Mornington round about in Hobart's East than in the whole of Devonport," said Mr Sayers. "This perhaps reflects traffic flows at different roundabouts."

In order, the most claims occurred for crashes in the South:

ABC (railway) Roundabout Hobart
Elwick Rd-Showground Roundabout, Glenorchy
Summerleas Rd Roundabout, Kingston
Mornington Roundabout, Eastern Shore

In northern Tasmania, most claims involved:

Breadalbane roundabout
Arthur St/High St roundabout, Launceston
William St/Nicholls St roundabout, Devonport

The average repair bill for a crash approaching or in a roundabout is over $2,000. The most expensive claims - perhaps because of higher speeds - occur at the Mornington Roundabout on Hobart's Eastern Shore (average claim $2,700)

New national road rules recently introduced include a new requirement that before entering a roundabout a driver gives a change of direction signal for long enough to give sufficient warning to other drivers and pedestrians.

But according to RACT Insurance, there is already enough confusion at round abouts for state and federal governments to consider public education campaigns.

"While we accept road safety experts support roundabouts because they lessen impact speeds, the growth in claims we're experiencing suggests widespread misunderstanding, and while so far we're not aware of serious injury crashes at roundabouts, it will be only a matter of time before there is a serious crash, given the claims growth against our portfolio."

For further information, Mr Sayers on 0401 993 926

RACT welcomes strategic planning new approach

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:14:45 EST

The RACT has welcomed yesterday's COAG agreement on strategic planning for Australia's capital cities.

The motoring organisation has been calling for a long term, strategic approach to planning of land use and associated transport infrastructure in successive submissions to the state government over several years.

It says the old approach, where infrastructure planning amounted to little more than often unrelated election commitments, won't work in the future.

Under the federal approach, future infrastructure funding to the states will be linked to national criteria covering state planning systems.

"We note that planning work will need to commence next year, with Tasmania's plan being completed during 2011. It means this task will be one the next Tasmanian Government must take up," said Mr.Taskunas.

"While the RACT is supportive of this new focus, it also believes that in a decentralised state such as Tasmania, such a plan shouldn't be restricted to the capital city.

"It's our hope that the next state government won't just comply with the COAG agreement, but that the planning process which is implemented will provide an impetus to establish similar state planning schemes for Launceston and the North West."

ENDS

For further information, Vince Taskunas on 0417 005 647

RACT Insurance welcomes Tasmania Police initiative

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 11:56:36 EST

RACT Insurance has welcomed a Tasmania Police initiative to mount "Operation Bonnet" over December and January in southern parts of Tasmania to counter car theft and thefts from cars.

RACT Insurance has previously worked cooperatively with councils and business organisations to erect Lock Your Car signs in areas such as council car parks and shopping centre car parks.

Operation Bonnet will see police writing to car owners if they notice a vehicle that is not properly secured. RACT Insurance says a great initiative.

RACT Insurance's own data on car theft and theft from cars, points to a significant, continuing issue, although it says work by Tasmania Police and other stake holders over the past nine or ten years has lessened the incidence of car theft.

"Our figures show that claims for thefts from cars climb over summer. From December last year to March this year we received 17 claims per month. That's double the figure in the corresponding period the year before," said Trent Sayers, Chief Executive of RACT Insurance.

"Theft can be a particular problem in summer because people tend to leave windows wound down, and in the lead-up to Christmas, they often leave valuable items clearly on show inside the car." To minimise the risk of car theft, and thefts from cars, RACT Insurance recommends:

Ensuring your car is locked and all the windows are up
Making sure valuables are locked in the glove compartment, or the boot
Keeping items such as gifts, and articles of clothing, out of sight in the car
Purchasing an engine immobiliser or car alarm … and in the evening, parking in well lit places

ENDS

For further information, Mr Sayers on 0401 993 926

A lesson for stress free holidays

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:12:35 EST

- misadventure en route to Boat Harbour -

The RACT is advising intending holiday makers to undertake any essential car maintenance now, before Christmas.

Even if you don't book your car in for maintenance, at least says the RACT, do some basic checks under the bonnet in your own driveway.

Last year RACT breakdown patrols heard some sad tales of holidays ruined by a mechanical break down. The RACT's General Manager Roadside and Technical Services, Darren Moody, says breakdowns in country areas - sometimes remote rural locations - increase by 15% between Christmas and the end of January.

"Last summer, we rescued one family on its way to BoatHarbour when the car blew a heater hose and subsequently cooked the engine," said Mr Moody. "The car was heavily laden with children, pets and luggage but had to be towed back to Hobart for major repairs, and the family was forced to abandon their holiday as a result.

"When your car spends most of the year undertaking short trips around town, it's mechanical and electrical systems may not be in the best condition to handle a longer trip, particularly in summer heat, when the car is often loaded with camping and other equipment, or is towing a boat or caravan.

"We attend many break downs which are the result of poor or insufficient maintenance, and a car which has not been properly maintained is quite likely to reveal its short comings just when you're trying to escape from the stress and hassle of everyday life," said Mr Moody.

Before going on holiday, Mr Moody recommends that people check the basics:

Water levels, cooling system and hoses
All accessory drive belts
Oil levels
Tyre pressures and condition, including the spare tyre
Fluid levels for brakes. Replace the brake fluid if it is over 2 years old
Lights, wipers and washers.

ENDS

For further information, Darren Moody on 0419 893 900

RACT Perspective: Australia's Best Cars

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 17:15:24 EST

Australia's Best Cars for 2009 were announced at a gala event in Melbourne on 1st December 2009.

Darren Moody, the RACT's General Manager, Roadside and Technical Services, was one of the judging panel.

The judges drove over 280 vehicles to decide their short list of finalists, with the winners decided over a week in October with test drives at a vehicle research centre in Victoria.

According to Darren Moody, Australia's Best Cars have revealed "fantastic value for money," especially in safety dividends. "We're now seeing manufacturers building their cars to advanced safety levels to meet the objective of our awards program to provide Australians with affordable cars that include high levels of safety features. For instance, this year we saw vehicles which included impressive 5-star ANCAP safety levels as standard features in their base models.

"What it means is that even affordable new cars that are being offered to buyers today are much safer than new cars of previous years."

New child restraint laws will "save young lives"

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 17:12:10 EST

The RACT has welcomed new national road rules which include toughened compliance in regards to the use of child restraints, and also extend the years that a child needs to use size appropriate, children's restraints.

The RACT, which is recognised as a leading authority on child restraints, and provides advice and help each day on the correct installation of child restraints, says that on average, nearly 38 children under the age of seven are injured or killed as passengers in vehicles on Tasmanian roads each year.

The new national road rules introduce a mandatory, size-appropriate restraint system for all children up to the age of seven. The RACT says this will significantly improve the safety of children in cars.

"Up to 70% of restraints are improperly fitted," said the RACT's Darren Moody, General Manager, Roadside and Technical Services. "Our annual campaign of free winter car safety checks around the State reveals that people often use inappropriate restraints for children of different ages, and upgrade their children into the next level of restraint too early, or out of boosters and into seat belts too early.

"We've noticed that parents are generally moving their children into adult seat belts from about the age of five and a half, yet research suggests this is too early.

"Children up to seven years are at least four times more likely to sustain a head injury in a crash when restrained by an adult seat belt. Other research shows seating children aged four to seven in an appropriate booster seat reduces their risk of injury in a crash by almost 60 percent, compared to being in an adult seatbelt only.

"The RACT has been campaigning for the introduction of these new laws, in particular the requirement that children up to the age of seven are properly restrained in a device appropriate for their age. We're pleased to see these new laws in place because they will significantly increase the level of safety for young children traveling in cars, and will save young lives on Tasmanian roads".

ENDS

For further information, Darren Moody, GM Roadside and Technical Services
0419 893 900

Petrol prices in Tas higher than Outback

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 17:10:48 EST

Petrol prices in Hobart and Launceston aren't just higher than Burnie and Devonport. They are higher than mainland cities, and higher even than remote parts of Australia such as Mt Isa and Broken Hill.

It's a situation which has existed for all of this month, and the RACT says motorists have a right to know why. RACT Chief Executive Greg Goodman said the current situation is a rip off of consumers in Hobart and Launceston.

"Lucky motorists in Devonport yesterday could get unleaded petrol for 116.9 cents per litre - comparing favourably with Melbourne. Yet in Launceston and Hobart, the prices rise steeply. I challenge the local industry to explain why."

Fuel price monitoring by the RACT shows that an average Hobart price for ULP of 127.9 cents per litre last week was even higher than Australia's most remote capital, Darwin, where the average price was 126.6cpl. This is despite the fact that the price of petrol from the refinery terminal gate in Hobart is nearly 2.5 cents per litre less than the refinery gate price in Darwin.

"It staggers belief that the cost of petrol into the market in Hobart is cheaper than remote Darwin, yet motorists here are paying more for their petrol at the pump. We want to know how this can be explained."

A comparison of petrol prices yesterday shows that people in Launceston were paying a uniform 125.9 cents per litre for petrol, while across Bass Strait in Melbourne, most outlets were selling petrol between 116.4 cents per litre and 117.5cpl.

Across Hobart, there was more variation in prices, yet still in the southern suburbs, people were paying up to 129.9cpl. "That's a staggering 13.5 cents more than people are paying for their petrol in Melbourne," said Mr Goodman.

What's worse, says the RACT, prices in Hobart and Launceston are outstripping remote, even small, centres in Australia, such as Mt.Isa, Broken Hill, Mildura, Griffith, Cairns, Townsville, Port Lincoln, and Mt Gambier.

(Average ULP price over last week: Mt Isa,125.1cpl; Broken Hill, 124.6cpl; Mildura, 126.4cpl; Griffith, 123.6cpl; Cairns, 122.6cpl; Townsville, 114.4 cpl; Port Lincoln, 125.5cpl; Mt Gambier, 119.5cpl; Hobart, 127.9cpl; Launceston, 127.3cpl)

"The local industry needs to be made accountable for these appalling prices in Hobart and Launceston," said Mr Goodman. "Artificially high prices put - not just Tasmanian motorists - but the entire Tasmanian economy at a disadvantage to the rest of Australia."

Around the major centres of Tasmania, motorists were yesterday paying at the pumps about:

Hobart 125.9 - 126.9

Hobart Eastern Suburbs 127.9

Hobart South 128.5 - 129.9

Hobart North (Glenorchy) 124.3

Across Launceston 125.9 (generally)

Devonport 116.7 - 118.9

Burnie 120.3 - 123.9

ENDS

For further information, Mr Goodman on 0419 122 061

RACT Submission: Road Safety & Infrastructure

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:06:19 EST

More high visibility police vehicles, a greater focus on technology such as vehicle number plate recognition cameras, and an AusRAP risk assessment of the wider road network are among the measures the RACT wants included in the next State Budget.

In its 2010-2011 State Budget submission, the RACT again calls for a medium to long term bipartisan approach to transport and infrastructure planning which would see the adoption of a 10 year plan based on expert stakeholder input, with a process in place to review and update the plan.

The RACT submission also calls for an assistant minister or parliamentary secretary to be appointed to oversee a dedicated unit which would co-ordinate the development and implementation of the plan, as well as respond to opportunities such as the Infrastructure Australia call for projects.

"With population growth forecast to build over the next 30 years, together with increased freight on our already overstretched roads, the RACT believes an approach to infrastructure planning based on a four year election cycle no longer serves the best interests of the state," said the RACT's Vince Taskunas.

"We also need a risk assessment of the wider Tasmanian road network using a methodology like AusRAP - as Victoria has done on its State Road network - to help prioritise and inform investment decisions and complementary road safety measures.

The RACT would also like to see the Budget setting aside funds for the wider implementation of on road electronic warning signs, and additional automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, as well as more permanent speed cameras

"Feedback from RACT members has been very positive about the high-visibility Tasmania Police vehicles and they have proven their value during strategic operations in recent months. However, four cars are simply not enough for the whole of Tasmania, so RACT is lobbying in this submission for more," Mr Taskunas said.

"It is our view that substantial research needs to be undertaken into inattention as a crash factor on Tasmania's roads, so we have called for funding to investigate this." Mr Taskunas said.

The RACT also believes a thorough analysis needs to be conducted of the costs and benefits of the "two plus one" versus four lane proposals for the Midland Highway to ensure that freight efficiency and road safety goals are met for the future.

The full RACT Budget Submission can be read at www.ract.com.au

ENDS

For further information, Vince Taskunas on 0417 005 647

Crash statistics suggest need for rural awareness

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 11:58:48 EST

RACT Insurance has produced data indicating that motorists who live in rural areas are almost as likely to experience a crash in an urban area as in the countryside. Urban dwellers are far more likely to crash in town.

RACT Insurance says it indicates a requirement for rural based Tasmanians to travel more, and to travel into urban settings where their likelihood of a crash proportionately increases.

The CEO of RACT Insurance, Trent Sayers, says it suggests road safety authorities might wish to consider a road safety campaign specifically highlighting the risks of town driving for rural Tasmanians.

"It surprised us that rural Tasmanians, who do most of their kilometres in a rural setting, have about as many crashes in the city as in the countryside. Visitors from the country who crash in town also tend to do so at higher speeds," said Mr Sayers.

"This is evidenced by the extent of the damage to their vehicles."

The overall crash costs of a claim incurred in a rural area, whether the driver is from a rural or urban residence, are much higher, due to the higher speed that a crash occurs in rural areas.

"However, our statistics show that when a rural dweller crashes in the city, the repair costs are eight percent higher than an urban crash involving an urban dweller. It suggests to us that people from rural areas aren't adjusting their speed enough for the built up environment of a city.

While there is a slight preponderance of urban dwelling policy holders over rural dwelling policy holders in the RACT Insurance portfolio, the claims data over four years from July 2005 shows that:

As expected, urban dwellers overwhelmingly crash in urban areas (90%)
Country dwellers experience crashes much more evenly between country and urban settings (56% in rural locations and 44% in urban areas)
Rural based policy holders have 14% higher claims costs, reflecting higher speed crashes
Rural based policy holders experience an average claims cost 8% higher than urban based policy holders in a crash in urban areas.

Mr Sayers says it is clear from the data that people living outside towns and cities travel the roads much more than people living in built up areas, and are therefore more exposed to - not just the risk of crash - but the risk of higher speed crashes.

"Their risk is particularly heightened when they come into town. Urban dwellers on the other hand are overwhelmingly likely to have a claims experience in familiar town precincts."

Mr Sayers said the data suggested the Government should be looking at specific road safety education campaigns aimed at rural Tasmanians. "Due to their greater travel needs, they are more exposed on the roads and their risk profile increases when they are in town."

ENDS

For further information, Trent Sayers, Chief Executive of RACT Insurance, on 0401 993 926

Warning on diesel vehicles

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 17:07:08 EST

The RACT is warning owners of diesel-fueled cars about the sometimes catastrophic results of inadvertently filling up with unleaded petrol.

RACT Roadside breakdown crews are attending more calls for help where the wrong fuel has been put into a diesel vehicle. The simple mistake can cost the owners thousands - and even tens of thousands - of dollars in damaged or ruined engines.

Darren Moody, the RACT's General Manager, Roadside and Technical Services, says more diesel vehicles - including family sedans - are being sold in Australia than ever before, and owners must be very alert when they fill up, especially if they use self service fuel outlets.

"The problem occurs at petrol stations - especially self service outlets," says Mr Moody.

"An unleaded fuel nozzle fits easily into a diesel filler, although luckily for drivers of petrol cars, diesel fillers won't fit into petrol tank fillers.

"Depending on how much of the wrong fuel goes into a diesel vehicle's fuel tank, and how far the diesel vehicle travels with unleaded petrol in its system, the results can vary from the need to change filters, and flush out fuel tanks, to complete and permanent engine failure.

"We're noticing a gradual increase in these sorts of incidents, as more diesel-powered vehicles are being driven on our roads.

"We've had one recent incident where a brand new diesel driven vehicle had to be fitted with a completely new engine after the owner filled up inadvertently with ULP."

The RACT says owners of diesel vehicles need to be very attentive when they re-fuel.

"Make absolutely certain that it is diesel you're putting into the tank of your diesel vehicle," Mr Moody said.

Devices were available overseas which blocked ULP nozzles fitting into diesel tanks, but Mr Moody said he understood they were not yet available in Australia.

ENDS

For further information, Mr Moody on 0419 893 900

RACT: Research Tasmanian drivers' mobile phone use

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 17:06:10 EST

The RACT says more research needs to be done into the dangerous practice of using hand held mobile phones while driving.

Statistics released by Tasmania Police point to a growing trend in the numbers of people caught using a hand held mobile phone to nearly 6,800 last financial year.

The RACT's General Manager Public Policy and Communications, Vince Taskunas, says that apart from the drivers who are caught and fined, motorists see instances of people blatantly using their hand held phones every day.

"Inattention is the biggest cause of crashes, and much of the inattention can be attributed to people concentrating on their mobile phones. This makes them a danger to themselves and other road users around them."

The RACT is calling for more research into why people use their mobile phones when driving. "We need to understand why Tasmanian drivers are so prepared to break the law and endanger themselves and other road users simply to use a hands held mobile phone, or send a text message," Mr Taskunas said.

"The Virginia Tech 100-car naturalistic study in the US involved putting video cameras in cars and found that nearly 80 per cent of all crashes and 65 per cent of all near-crashes involved driver inattention just prior to the conflict. (See http://www.vtti.vt.edu/PDF/100-Car_Fact-Sheet.pdf for more).

"We believe that funds should be utilised from the Road Safety Levy, as part of the Tasmanian Road Safety Strategy, to conduct a research project to better understand why Tasmanian drivers put mobile phone ahead of safe driving. The RACT is lobbying the Tasmanian Government to commission this research.

"In the meantime, responsible motorists can do something about it. They should report to the Police drivers endangering others by their illegal use of hand held mobiles. Road users who are concerned about the behaviour of others should call 131-444 and report it to the Tasmania Police Assistance Line," Mr Taskunas said.

ENDS

For further information, Vince Taskunas on 0417 005 647

School year end: keep safe in vehicles

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 17:04:54 EST

Pent-up energy will be released over the next two weeks as senior secondary school students finish their studies, and the RACT is asking all students to direct their enthusiasm towards safe pursuits that don't involve cars.

As the time approaches for 'last day of school' activities and school parties, the RACT says many of the students leaving school are now licensed, or on L plates, and there have been instances in the past of dangerous driving in school grounds and around schools and party venues.

"For some students it is time to study for final exams, and for others, it's the end of their school experience," says the RACT's General Manager, Public Policy and Communications, Vince Taskunas.

"For all of them, it's a significant period of transition, and the combination of youth, energy, exuberance, and adrenalin doesn't sit easily with the task of driving safely.

"We'd ask students to consider leaving cars at home on final school days, and for end-of-school social events, and ask parents to strongly encourage this.

"Students need to observe road rules and speed limits - especially around school grounds - and avoid getting involved in risky behaviour that could endanger other road users, especially cyclists and pedestrians.

"The RACT also suggests that all students who either have their licence or are working towards it should register online with the Keys2Drive program.

"This is an important new driver education program, organised by the motoring clubs and funded through the Australian Government, to positively influence young drivers' behaviour and their approach to solo driving," Mr Taskunas said.

For further information on the keys2drive program, visit www.keys2drive.com.au

Holden Commodore Ute Gains 5-stars from ANCAP

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 17:03:40 EST

The RACT says the latest Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) crash test result is a milestone for utes, with the Australian-made Holden Commodore utility receiving a 5-star crash test rating.

The ANCAP 5-star rating is the first for any ute on the Australian market and means Holden now has a 5-star Commodore fleet.

Darren Moody, the RACT's General Manager Roadside and Technical Services, says the five-star rating for the Commodore ute will give new vehicle buyers a high-safety option when making purchasing choices.

"Motorists who need a work vehicle such as a light commercial or a ute can now opt for 5-star safety in making their new ute purchase," Mr Moody said.

The Commodore rating compares to other, recent ANCAP tests which have produced poor 1 and 2-star ratings for the Proton Jumbuck (1 star) and Great Wall Motors utes (2 stars).

"We also know other Australian manufacturers are working hard to produce ANCAP 5-star rated utes for the Australian market."

The new 5-star ANCAP rating applies to all variants of the new Commodore ute. The passenger compartment held its shape well in the ANCAP crash tests, providing good airbag protection for the driver and passenger and no knee hazards for the driver. The ute is equipped with dual front airbags, seat-mounted side and head-protecting curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD) and electronic stability control (ESC) as standard features.

"Australians are increasingly seeing more 5-star vehicle safety ratings in showrooms around the country and across a wider range of vehicles," said Mr Moody. "This is important as it leads to higher safety levels in the second-hand vehicle fleet in Australia.

ANCAP receives funding support from all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, including RACT. For a full list of ANCAP's vehicle safety ratings, including more commercial vehicles, and other vehicle safety information, go to www.ancap.com.au

Community Cabinet:Older drivers' mobility

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 17:02:38 EST

The RACT met with the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Anthony Albanese, last night at the Prime Minister's Community Cabinet meeting in Hobart and raised the issue of a national strategy for older drivers.

The RACT, as a member of the Australian Automobile Association, is concerned that mobility issues affecting older Australians are not a high enough priority on the Federal Government's agenda, and wants a national summit on the issue next year.

"Australia's motoring clubs represent over a million older Australian drivers, and we believe there is a need for a national strategy now to address a range of issues affecting them," said RACT's public policy manager Vince Taskunas.

"Last night, we asked for Mr Albanese's support to help develop a national strategy for older drivers. We were pleased to note that the Minister was aware of the issue, and that he was supportive of the Clubs' focus on this area.

"A recent Treasury estimate said Australia's population is predicted to hit 35 million in 40 years, and the number of people aged over 85 will rise from 1.7 per cent now to 5 per cent over that time. Yet the issue of mobility for older Australians is not specifically identified at a national level as one of the challenges facing our ageing population.

"For older people, mobility is integral to access to health services, other essential services, employment, volunteer work, recreational travel and social interaction. This is even more the case in Tasmania than in many other parts of Australia.

"The national policy group of the Australian Automobile Association, with delegates from each Club across Australia including the RACT, met in Hobart last week and put in place a national advocacy agenda for older mobility.

"The Clubs are concentrating on older drivers as a public policy priority for a combination of reasons including their mobility requirements, driving abilities as they age, and their safety," Mr Taskunas said.

Earlier this year, the RACT held a round table discussion in Hobart, involving older drivers, community representatives, professionals, and policymakers, to discuss issues facing older drivers in Tasmania.

For further information: Mr Taskunas on 0417 005 647

Hobart and Launceston paying too much for petrol

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 17:00:34 EST

The RACT says petrol prices in Tasmania's two major cities are well ahead of both major city prices and the price for unleaded petrol in comparable regional centres such as Newcastle, Wollongong and Geelong.

A typical price in Hobart this week is 128.9 cents per litre, compared with Launceston's range of 127.7cpl - 128.5cpl.

The RACT says that according to its fuel price monitoring, there seems to be excessive profit taking occurring in Hobart and Launceston.

Residents of Devonport will pay typically between 122.5cpl and 123.9cpl, while in Burnie, the price of ULP is typically between 122.7cpl and 123.9cpl.

"The gathering strength of the Australian dollar should be making our petrol cheaper, but there is no sign of this occurring," said RACT public policy manager Vince Taskunas.

"In addition, there has been a significant fall of over ten per cent since September 17 in the Singapore market price for a barrel of refined unleaded petrol.

"While prices in centres such as Devonport and Burnie compare fairly well with national prices, and national prices are trending down, Hobart and Launceston are amongst the most expensive places in Australia to buy petrol," said Mr Taskunas.

In Hobart, the price at which unleaded petrol is leaving the terminal gate is 115.2cpl, and trending downwards. Yet when it goes on sale to motorists in Hobart and Launceston, another 10 cents or more has mysteriously been added to the price.

"Tasmanian motorists deserve to receive all the benefits of market fuel price drops. One member returning from Melbourne yesterday reported petrol prices fifteen cents per litre cheaper than Hobart's CBD. The RACT refuses to accept that our local markets should continue to miss out on cheaper fuel," Mr Taskunas said.

Current average retail prices for unleaded petrol are:

                                 Launceston          128.7cpl
                                 Hobart                  128.5cpl
                                 Devonport            126.3cpl
                                 Burnie                  125.8cpl
                                 _____________________

                                 Newcastle             123.2cpl
                                 Wollongong          123.1cpl
                                 Geelong               122.9cpl
                                 Melbourne            122.2cpl
                                 Sydney                 120.2cpl

ENDS

Low-Cost Imported Utes Score Poorly in Safety Test

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 16:59:02 EST

The RACT is warning Tasmanians in the market for a new ute to be aware of the latest crash test results from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

ANCAP - partly funded by the RACT - has issued crash test results for three imported utes. All three scored poorly.

The highly anticipated Great Wall Motors SA220 and V240 utes from China received only 2 stars out of 5, while the Malaysian Proton Jumbuck ute only rated a single star.

Darren Moody, the RACT's General Manager, Roadside and Technical Services, says the results are of concern. Other commercial vehicles are now more commonly rating 4 and even 5 stars. There is also concern about the widening gap between Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and ANCAP's safety testing.

"Occupants of one or two stars vehicles have twice the risk of receiving life-threatening injuries in a crash, compared with 4 or 5-star vehicles," says Mr. Moody.

"New vehicles that achieve only a 1 or 2 star ANCAP rating - while meeting the ADRs - are a cause for concern.

"The results for the Great Wall vehicles were particularly disappointing as these are new models on the market. The SA220 and the Jumbuck lack airbags and other safety features that are expected as standard equipment by new car buyers.

"The V240 has dual airbags but these failed to protect the driver and passenger from injury in our crash tests."

The three utilities performed poorly in the ANCAP offset crash test. All experienced loss of cabin structural integrity, with poor head and leg protection at impact. There were high injury measurements for driver and passenger in all three vehicles.

For a full list of ANCAP's vehicle safety ratings, including light commercial vehicles and utilities, and other vehicle safety information, go to www.ancap.com.au

RACT comment on latest Govt Road Safety measures

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:13:11 EST

The RACT has largely welcomed the government announcement today of new measures to make our roads safer.

However, the RACT has expressed disappointment at the Government's decision to maintain road safety education as a voluntary subject in schools. The RACT has campaigned for a number of years to make it compulsory.

"Many of the new measures announced by the Government today, such as an increase in Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras, vehicle clamping, and point to point speed cameras, are to be welcomed," said Greg Goodman, Chief Executive of the RACT. "The RACT has advocated for some time that technology, such as ANPR, presents some great opportunities for advances in road safety.

"We're also very pleased that the funds generated through greater penalties will be quarantined from general revenue, and will be used specifically for road safety programs and police enforcement."

Mr Goodman said the RACT would like to see the additional revenues raised directed at the urgent need to upgrade line markings in Tasmania. The RACT has pursued this issue for a number of years, reflecting the large number of complaints it receives in regards to faded line markings.

"The vast majority of motorists are responsible and law abiding, and many of the new measures announced today, such as ANPR, wheel clamping, and the increase in confiscation periods for hooning, are targeted at the small proportion of motorists who act irresponsibly on the roads and endanger other road users.

"At the same time, we welcome the move to mount a campaign to remind all motorists of the road rules. This is an issue which was recently raised at our joint conference of regional advisory committees."

However, the RACT says it is disappointed that at this stage, the Government has not acted to make road safety education compulsory in high school.

"While we welcome the Government's announcement that it will beef up its Road Risk Reduction program, we understand that currently, one third of schools don't use it. The RACT believes that road safety needs to become part of our culture, and the best place to start building the culture is through a compulsory program in secondary school."

A 5-STAR SAFETY MONTH FOR MOTORISTS

Tue, 1 Sep 2009 15:33:32 EST

The safety of vehicles on the Australian market continues to improve, with a record number of 5-star new car safety ratings released by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program.

Darren Moody, the RACT's General Manager, Roadside and Technical Services, says the 5-star ratings cover nine vehicles crash tested by ANCAP - of which the RACT is a foundation member - and from data provided by complementary overseas crash testing programs.

ANCAP announced the top occupant protection ratings for the Toyota Aurion, Holden Statesman and Commodore (all models built from August 2009), Subaru Outback, Subaru Liberty, Alfa Romeo Mito Hatch, Peugeot 308CC sports, Mercedes-Benz Viano and Australia's first 5-star light commercial van - the Mercedes-Benz Vito (when equipped with optional side curtain airbags).

Mr Moody said new car buyers have an increasing number of 5-star vehicles to choose from across a range of price brackets and, with the Vito rating, companies and fleet managers now had a top 5-star rating available in all vehicle categories except utilities.

"More and more 5-star vehicles are coming onto the market, which is great for consumers," Mr Moody said.

"The Australian-built Toyota Aurion and Holden Commodore, Statesman and Caprice models now have the front passenger seat belt reminders that make them eligible for a 5-star rating.

"The RACT welcomes the first 5-star rating for the Australian-made Aurion. The Holden models join the Commodore Omega that earned a 5-star rating from ANCAP last year.

"Alongside these vehicles, we also congratulate Subaru for maintaining its industry-leading 5-star fleet with the new Liberty and Outback maintaining their top ratings".

"We're now seeing life-saving safety features - which used to be the preserve of luxury vehicles - available in small and medium categories as well as offering professional drivers a 5-star van as their daily workplace."

For a full list of ANCAP's vehicle safety ratings, including more commercial vehicles, and other vehicle safety information, go to www.ancap.com.au

Statewide RACT forum on road safety (Aug 09)

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:44:54 EST

The RACT is bringing together its three regional advisory committees in Launceston over the weekend along with senior managers and RACT directors, for a conference to be addressed by various stakeholders on road safety.

It's the first time the three regional advisory committees have met together. The aim, says Stuart Slade, Vice-President of the RACT, is to commence the development of a "roadmap" for safety and related road issues for the next State Government.

The conference begins tomorrow (Friday July 31) at the Mercure Hotel, and continues on Saturday.

There will be briefings on road safety from DIER, Tasmania Police and other road user groups. On Saturday (August 1), a panel of representatives of the Tasmanian Labor Party, Liberal Party and the Greens will present ideas on road safety, with the opportunity for members of the RACT regional advisory committees to ask questions and discuss matters with the politicians.

Also attending the conference will be the Executive Director of the Australian Automobile Association, Mike Harris. The AAA is the Canberra-based representative body of Australia's motoring clubs, representing more than six million motorists.

Stuart Slade said the conference was aimed at getting the latest information, trends, and attitudes from a range of stakeholders in the road infrastructure and road safety area. Topics the RACT is keen to see discussed include:

Compulsory road safety education at secondary schools level
Speed limits - signage and management
Road safety inspections of vehicles on change of ownership
Intelligent transport systems
A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Road Safety in Tasmania

"This conference will hone our own priorities as Tasmania gets into election mode," said Mr Slade. "We also hope the conference provides a focus for the political parties as they develop their own policies towards road infrastructure and road safety in the lead up to the next election. We want the next government of Tasmania to hit the ground running when it comes to road safety and infrastructure needs."

The RACT has 173,000 members and its bi-monthly publication, Motor News Journeys, reaches 113,000 households. The regional advisory committees are made up of financial RACT members: local people in each region who volunteer their service, with a special interest in road safety-related matters.

The committees work at the local level to address issues raised by the public, and refer feedback and complex matters to the RACT's peak Road and Traffic committee, which is made up of RACT Board members.

The regional advisory committees have been operating for many years, and their membership over that period has included many well-known Tasmanians.

Bald tyres show up in vehicle checks

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:45:04 EST

Over a quarter of cars inspected by the RACT in June had at least one bald tyre. Bad enough, says the RACT, but even worse considering June 2009 was the wettest June in Hobart since 1954, and in some parts of the state it was the wettest June on record.

The result is the most worrisome to emerge from the RACT's free winter safety inspections, which were carried out as a community service over most of June. RACT technicians were stationed at seven shopping centres in Burnie, Devonport, Launceston and Hobart, to check the safety of vehicles for winter motoring.

Darren Moody, the RACT's General Manager, Roadside and Technical Services, said 200 cars were checked, revealing tyre problems and poor child restraint fittings.

"One bald tyre on a car is enough to adversely affect its handling, especially in wet conditions. Handling characteristics in a sudden braking manoeuvre - when you most need good grip on the road - will diminish.

"The extent of diminished handling capabilities will depend on how many tyres are bald, or near bald, whether the bald tyres are at the front or back, or whether the vehicle is a front or rear wheel drive.

"Whatever the circumstances on an individual vehicle, the fact remains that braking under pressure in wet conditions is compromised when you have even one tyre which lacks the minimal safe tread depth.

"While our findings are just a snap shot, they were consistent across the State," said Mr Moody. The free winter car checks found that

27 percent of vehicles checked had one or more tyre either bald or illegal in terms of its depth of tread (that is, its ability to grip the road).
One third of vehicles had tyres that were under inflated.

"Under inflation reduces the handling capacity of a vehicle. It can affect braking distances, and of course it also increases fuel consumption. In addition, under inflation speeds up the wear rate on tyres, reducing their life."

What can drivers do about it?

Check your tyres regularly, and have a regular maintenance plan for your car.
Look for tread bars in your tyres which indicate the tyres are reaching the end of their safe operating life. Each tyre has four to six tread wear indicator bars which are built into the tyre, and traverse the width of the tyre. When the existing tread of a tyre wears down to the level of the indicators it means the tyre no longer has sufficient tread, and needs to be replaced to ensure safe motoring.

The RACT inspections also revealed continuing misunderstanding about child restraints, their role, and their fitment. In one instance, RACT technicians came across a 6 year old boy sitting in a restraint designed for children up to four years old.

The booster was not tethered at the back, and at the bottom, a chain and padlock had been used to "secure" the booster to a backseat seat belt.

The RACT provides both advice and assistance in purchasing and correctly fitting child restraints. Each year, its winter safety checks reveal problems in either the restraint being used for a child, or the way in which the restraint was fitted.

Hyundai Van & people mover - 4-stars

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:45:14 EST

Australia's fleet managers have been urged to ensure safety as a top priority in their purchasing policies, following the announcement today of two more 4-star safety rated commercial vehicles by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

ANCAP, Australia's leading independent vehicle safety advocate, announced the 4-star ratings for the Hyundai iMax people mover and iLoad van in Sydney today. The two Hyundai vehicles were awarded the 4-star rating following a crash test conducted at the South Korean Government testing facility, KATRI, under ANCAP protocols and supervision.

ANCAP Program Manager, Michael Case, who oversaw the Korean tests, welcomed the results and acknowledged Hyundai's efforts to produce safer commercial vehicles.

"ANCAP is seeing mixed safety performance in its recent crash tests of van-style vehicles and the Hyundai results are good to see, given the importance of light commercial vehicles in transporting goods and people in and around Australia. These vans are the drivers of Australian small business and occupants should be afforded the same levels of safety as private cars," Mr Case said.

"Hyundai has put considerable effort into improving the safety of its vehicles and the ANCAP results reflect that effort. Occupant safety should be an important consideration for fleet managers who no longer have any excuse to buy 3-star vehicles or worse.

"Of the seven box-style vans now rated by ANCAP, three earn a 4-star rating - the iLoad, the Mercedes Vito and the VW Transporter. The best-selling Toyota Hi-Ace has a 3-star ANCAP rating. No commercial vehicles currently have a 5-star rating, which requires excellent crash protection plus head-protecting side airbags and electronic stability control."

Dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brake distribution (EBD) are standard on both the iLoad and the iMax. Electronic stability control is standard on the iMax, while the iLoad has ESC standard in New Zealand but optional on the Australian market.

The vehicle held its shape well in the offset crash test except that the dash structure started to break away from the a-pillar. Chest protection was weak for the driver and leg protection was marginal for both driver and passenger.

The 64km/h frontal offset crash test was conducted in South Korea under ANCAP supervision - the results apply to front occupant protection for both the iLoad and the iMax.

" ANCAP noted the iLoad van has a centre front seat that has a two- point seat belt and lacks the protection of an air bag, offering inferior protection compared to the other front passenger seat"

ANCAP recorded a disappointing pedestrian protection rating for the iLoad of 1 star out of 4.

International cooperation in new car safety

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:45:21 EST

Australia's leading independent vehicle safety advocate, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), has met with other crash test organisations to look at ways of enhancing crash test procedures so that more data can be shared between them.

This will mean that each organisation can publish ratings for more models in their markets.

Earlier this year, ANCAP met with officials from EuroNCAP, Japan NCAP and Korean NCAP to discuss crash test protocols and assessment activities.

The Australian Automobile Association's Technical Services Director, Craig Newland, RACV Chief Engineer, Michael Case, Stuart Worden from the New Zealand Transport Agency and ANCAP's Technical Manager, Michael Paine, have just met with other World NCAP officials in Germany to continue those discussions.

Mr Newland said the meetings had been very constructive and several improvements to protocols had been identified.

"Buying a new car is a major decision and outlay these days, and ANCAP sees different vehicle models coming onto the Australian market with and without features they have in other countries," Mr Newland said.

"ANCAP prides itself on delivering objective, independent safety assessments and the international discussions will allow for a more comprehensive listing of new vehicle safety, wherever they are manufactured and tested.

"It is hoped that the exchange of data will allow for crash tests to be more uniform and the results to be published in all markets."

ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, all Australian state governments, the New Zealand government, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation. For a full list of ANCAP's vehicle safety ratings and other vehicle safety information, go to www.ancap.com.au

"keys2drive" Tasmanian rollout gathers momentum

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:45:29 EST

An important new driver training program, currently rolling out in Tasmania, is providing supervising drivers with the chance to learn how to teach their learners to drive.

Drivers, supervising drivers and driving instructors are testing the new program - keys2drive -which allows access to an interactive website, information and education and a free driving lesson for both the Learner and their supervisor, often the Learner's parent who may not have had such training themselves for many years.

AAA Executive Director, Mike Harris, said keys2drive will be implemented via a staged national rollout after results from the Tasmanian program are collated and analysed.

"By using new learning methods, keys2drive sets out to positively influence young drivers' behaviour and their approach to solo driving. keys2drive also aims to help supervising drivers be more effective in their driver training role," Mr Harris said.

"Our statistics show that Learner drivers are the safest drivers on the road, but the moment they begin solo driving, their risk of crashing jumps dramatically.

"Young people aged 16 to 25 account for nearly one third of all road deaths - despite representing less than 15% of the population. Further, 17 to 20 year olds are almost three times more likely to be killed in a serious crash than drivers aged 21 to 25 years - and more than 11 times more likely to be killed than drivers aged 40 to 44 years.

"AAA's motoring clubs and the Federal Government believe keys2drive can provide the on-road tuition and learnings to better prepare them for their P-plates and solo driving."

Mr Harris welcomed the Federal Government's funding support and involvement in the keys2drive program.

"AAA promotes the internationally recognised safe systems approach to road safety - safer drivers in safer cars on safer roads," Mr Harris said.

"The AAA clubs and the Government already work closely on the safer cars and safer roads components through AAA programs - the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP, which crash tests cars and awards a star rating for safety) and the Australian Road Assessment Program (AusRAP, which undertakes a detailed analysis of the national highway network and star rates it for safety).

"Our partnership in keys2drive completes that safer systems trilogy in the interests of Australian motorists and their families.

For further information on the keys2drive program, visit www.keys2drive.com.au

Motoring costs fall as economic downturn bites

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:45:40 EST

CAR owners are the big winners in the economic downturn with the cost of owning and running a car falling by an average six percent in the past 12 months.

RACT's Vehicle Operating Costs Survey of a record 75 cars found that it's now cheaper to buy a car because of competitive market conditions, lower interest rates make it easier to pay for a car and a drop in petrol prices keep the cost of running a car down.

Korean manufacturer Hyundai continues to build on its reputation with the Getz S taking out top spot for the third year in a row as the cheapest in the survey to own and run at $112.31 a week down from $116.91 last year.

At the other end of the scale, the Toyota LandCruiser diesel was again the most expensive at $367.32 a week, although down on its operating costs of $386.88 from last year.

The LPG Falcon ute demonstrated its value by being the cheapest in the 2WD ute section, given a boost by the government's $2,000 LPG rebate.

In the large car section, Toyota Aurion was again the cheapest to own based mainly on a lower initial purchase price, despite the LPG Falcon's lower day to day running costs.

RACT's General Manager, Roadside and Technical Services, Darren Moody said the economic downturn would impact on car prices in the future.

"We have taken the Recommended Retail Pricing for the survey, however in the current economic climate it is clear there will be massive discounting of cars and that will directly affect the loss drivers will have to bear due to depreciation."

Mr Moody said RACT had refined the methods used in the survey, sourcing servicing and parts information from the industry where possible rather than directly from the manufacturer. Depreciation figures were also refined this year to better reflect the residual values.

"It gives us the full story because how much you pay to purchase the car is just part of the picture. We also assess how much it costs to have the car serviced, the cost of fuel, tyres, insurance, registration, RACT membership, interest, stamp duty, drivers' licence as well as an assortment of spare parts like windscreens and batteries. Even the cost of depreciation when it comes to trading it in," he said.

The survey found the BMW was the most expensive for servicing and spare parts, with the 320i racking up costs of $10,049 over a five years period compared with $3,757 for a petrol Commodore. The BMW's flat run tyres were also the most expensive to replace at more than twice the price of a set of tyres for the Falcon.

"Interestingly the diesel i30 was found to be $5.74 more expensive per week to run than the petrol equivalent, compared to last year when the difference was $2.60 per week."

In the hotly contested medium SUV section Toyota Kluger $227.89 per week squeezes out Territory TX RWD by 3 cents per week.

"Lower interest rates meant interest costs on a Toyota Corolla had also dropped $5.90 a week over last year's survey, combined with its fuel costs dropping by 1.39 cents per kilometre."

"In most cases, the survey found that last year's winners including the Hyundai Getz, Hyundai i30 (petrol rather than diesel), Holden Epica, Kia Carnival, Patrol Diesel and LPG Falcon Ute all retained their standing," Mr Moody said.

RACT calculations for the Vehicle Operating Costs Survey are based on a five-year ownership period and average operating costs for private motorists including an average driving distance of 15,000km. The data was collected in the period leading up to early May 2009.

Results of the 2009 survey are available at ract.com.au from 2^nd of July under "Buying a car".

The best of the best

Model weekly cost

LIGHT HYUNDAI GETZ S 3 DOOR 1.4 MANUAL $112.31
SMALL HYUNDAI i30 SX 5D HATCHBACK PETROL AUTOMATIC $145.54
MEDIUM HOLDEN EPICA CDX V6 AUTOMATIC $187.93LARGETOYOTA AURION AT-X $219.95
PEOPLE MOVER KIA CARNIVAL EX AUTOMATIC $217.25
COMPACT SUV HYUNDAI TUCSONCITY AUTOMATIC $179.93MEDIUM SUVTOYOTA KLUGER KX-R 2WD $227.89
LARGE SUV NISSAN PATROL DX 3.0 DIESEL AUTOMATIC $287.62
COMMERCIAL (4x2) FORD FALCON FG UTILITY (LPG) AUTOMATIC $177.83
COMMERCIAL (4x4) FORD RANGER XL (4x4) DUAL CAB 3.0 DIESEL AUTOMATIC $236.29

RACT welcomes rail progress

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:44:36 EST

The RACT has welcomed today's announcement by the State Government of a heads of agreement to progress the purchase of Asciano's Pacific National Tasmania rail business.

The RACT's Chief Executive, Greg Goodman, said rail freight was too important for the state's economic and social fabric to be allowed to fail.

"We also welcome the Federal Government's indication that it is willing to consider flexibility in re-allocating previously committed rail funding to assist the purchase," Mr Goodman said.

"The RACT was lobbying for just such flexibility during a visit to Federal Parliament in Canberra last week.

Mr Goodman said any modern state required dual road and rail freight transport infrastructure, and if rail freight had been abandoned it would have been a serious reversal for transport economics, and road safety, in Tasmania.

He said the RACT hoped that the Government's actions to support continued rail operations signaled a new beginning for the future of rail in Tasmania.

RACT raises rail and older drivers in Canberra

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:22:08 EST

The President of the RACT, Roger Locke, is in Canberra this week for discussions with federal parliamentarians on a range of road safety related matters.

Accompanied by Vince Taskunas, the RACT's General Manager, Public Policy and Communications, Mr Locke is meeting Tasmanian and other MPs to canvas a range of issues. Each year the RACT visits Canberra for talks on matters which affect Tasmanian motorists.

Issues being raised this week include:

The need for a national strategy for older drivers
Compulsory road safety education in schools
Rail funding

Earlier this year the RACT held a round table discussion, involving older drivers, community representatives, professionals, and policymakers, to discuss the issues facing older drivers in Tasmania.

There is no national approach to older driver issues, and the RACT is taking the lessons it learnt from the round table to both federal parliamentarians and to the Australian Automobile Association, which acts as a secretariat and Canberra representative for the motoring clubs.

As our population ages, the RACT believes that public policy should support, encourage, and enable Tasmanians to drive their vehicles for as long as is safely and reasonably possible. The Club is working with AAA and the other motoring clubs to develop a national policy that incorporates these principles.

On rail, the RACT believes the Federal Government should provide as much financial leeway as possible to assist the Tasmanian Government with its need to acquire Tasmania's rail operations.

While significant funds have been ear marked for the upgrading of rail in Tasmania, the landscape has now changed, and the RACT believes the Tasmanian Government needs flexibility with the funding options before it, so that it can negotiate a proper transition of rail in Tasmania.

ENDS

For further information, Mr Taskunas on 0417 005 647

Unlocking keys2drive in Tasmania

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:11:50 EST

keys2drive, a new national learner driver program which aims to make newly licensed drivers much safer, has commenced in Tasmania.

Learner drivers and their supervising drivers are invited to take part in the pilot program, currently underway in Tasmania, by registering now and booking a free professional lesson on www.keys2drivepilot.com.au.

keys2drive has been developed by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), the RACT and other motoring clubs around Australia, with Australian Government funding and the support of the driver training industry.

To help reduce the high crash risk of young drivers, keys2drive fosters the relationship between the learner driver and their supervisor under the guidance of a professional instructor, through a free lesson paid for by the Australian Government. This is supported by access to a website incorporating information, education and interactive learning games.

The Tasmanian pilot will finish towards the end of July 2009 and be assessed before keys2drive is rolled out nationally for learners and their supervisors.

RACT Group Chief Executive, Greg Goodman, said the RACT, like the other motoring clubs across Australia, has a strong commitment to driver safety, especially in helping young drivers to build up their log-book hours with a supervising driver.

"The RACT believes that more effective on-road practice and experience is extremely important in reducing the risk associated with P Plate solo driving."

"The risk of crashing increases 20 to 30 times when a young driver first gains their provisional licence. The keys2drive program target is zero harm in the first six months of "Ps" and safer driving for life."

"keys2drive has been designed to encourage learner drivers to take control and responsibility for driving safely and provides information on how to achieve this through an innovative website," Mr Goodman said.

The Vice President of the Australian Driver Trainers Association (TAS), Robin Eccles, said driver trainers strongly support the keys2drive program as it promotes a structured learning plan to be a safer P Plate driver, rather than just focusing on gaining a provisional licence.

"ADTA driving instructors throughout Tasmania have been accredited as instructors under keys2drive and are committed to delivering the keys2drive program," said Mr Eccles

Learners and supervisors are encouraged to register now on the keys2drive website and book their free keys2drive lesson at www.keys2drivepilot.com.au

Aussies denied life-saving technologies in ratings

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:45:52 EST

Australians are being short-changed when it comes to safety features on some overseas manufactured vehicles.

Australia's leading independent vehicle safety advocate, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), which is partly funded by the RACT, says the latest round of ANCAP safety ratings shows the Honda Jazz and Kia Soul missed out on 5-star ANCAP ratings because they lack potentially life-saving technologies that are available on equivalent models in Europe.

Darren Moody, the RACT's General Manager, Roadside and Technical Services, said that both models are offered in Europe with electronic stability control (ESC) and intelligent seat belt reminders for all seats - yet ESC is not available on any Jazz in Australia and the base model only has a driver seat belt reminder.

"The Australian Soul only has a driver seat belt reminder and the base model does not have ESC. In contrast, the New Zealand Kia Soul has all these features and earns the top 5-star rating from ANCAP."

ANCAP has also announced the Audi Q5 and Skoda Superb earned 5-star ratings, based on crash tests conducted by EuroNCAP.

The Kia Cerato and Suzuki Alto achieved 4-star ratings, which is disappointing for new models. Both models have impressive safety features but need more work on leg protection to reach the increasingly coveted 5-star rating. Both the Cerato and the Alto also lack seat belt reminders for the front and rear passengers.

"Passengers without seat belts are over-represented in road fatalities and this simple device is a very effective countermeasure," Mr Moody said.

"There are now plenty of choices for 5-star safety for small cars in Australia, with several models costing less than $20,000. It is regrettable that these latest results have not added to that list."

For a full list of ANCAP's vehicle safety ratings and other vehicle safety information, go to www.ancap.com.au ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, all Australian state governments, the New Zealand government, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.

RACT: we can't allow rail to close

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:16:17 EST

The RACT says it is alarmed at the prospect of further closures of rail freight services in Tasmania in the near future and says that the Tasmanian Government must find a solution as soon as possible.

"This situation has major economic, social and road safety implications. We can't allow rail to close down for any length of time - it's as simple as that," said the RACT's General Manager Public Policy, Vince Taskunas.

Mr Taskunas said that it was almost four years ago now that the RACT facilitated a Future of Rail forum in Hobart. The forum brought together major stakeholders including representatives from the government, the rail operator, the TCCI, freight operators, the rail union and the community.

"We know that the freight task is increasing - the government's own projections identify this. Yet the closure of rail freight would mean this increasing task would apparently have to be handled by one form of transport: the road network.

"This is simply not practical with the current infrastructure that we have; and would put our Members at an unacceptably higher risk on the roads.

"The AusLink 2007 Tasmanian Corridor Strategypoints out that in 2007, the Tasmanian road network carried 20 million tonnes of freight with the rail network 2.8 million tonnes, showing our road system is already proportionately overburdened by the freight task.

"It's clear that the Government would need to commit significantly more funds to the road network, and more funds to road safety initiatives if road is to be the sole means of freight transportation in this State.

The RACT noted in its submission to the current (2009) Tasmanian Budget submission: " The need for proper [infrastructure] planning is underlined by the continuing uncertainty over rail in Tasmania. Such uncertainty is not a temporary state of affairs, but has been a matter of concern for several years. In 2008, there is still no evidence that a long term solution has been found which will secure the longevity of rail operations in this State."

"The situation remains unresolved. It needs to be resolved urgently by the Tasmanian Government," Mr Taskunas said.

Child Restraints need stronger regulation

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:17:57 EST

The RACT is urging the Tasmanian Government to quickly implement new nationally-agreed laws on child restraints. This follows the Tasmanian Government's decision - supported by the RACT - to increase penalties for motorists who fail to wear seat belts.

The Australian Transport Council, comprising all Australia's transport ministers, has signed off on new laws which will introduce a mandatory, size-appropriate restraint system for all children up to the age of seven (see attached document). The RACT says this will significantly improve the safety of children in cars.

The RACT's call comes in light of recent comments by the Coroner regarding seat belts and associated safety issues in his report into a fatal crash which occurred late last year.

Victoria is set to enact the laws in November, with South Australia committing to a similar timeframe, and the RACT wants the Tasmanian Government to take the lead by implementing the nationally-agreed new laws together with a range of new penalties for non-compliance as soon as possible.

The RACT gives motorists advice and help each day on the correct installation of child restraints and is currently conducting its annual free Winter Safety Checks vehicle safety program at a number of locations across the community (Today: Launceston).

"Unfortunately, our experience shows that up to 70% of restraints are improperly fitted," said the RACT's Darren Moody, General Manager, Roadside & Technical Services. "People often use inappropriate restraints for children of different ages, and upgrade their children into the next level of restraint or into seat belts too early.

"Yet nothing else offers the same level of crash protection for babies and young children as a properly fitted child restraint. It is clear from medical evidence reported in the Coroner's findings that children who are inadequately restrained can suffer terrible injuries in a car crash - and these can happen even at relatively low speeds.

"Along with a tightening of penalties for adults who don't wear seat belts, the RACT urges the Tasmanian Government to move early on enacting the new child restraint laws and back them with strong penalties. These new laws were agreed by all transport Ministers in January 2008, so it is time they were enacted in Tasmania," said Mr Moody

New roundabout needs remedial work

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:21:25 EST

The RACT wants the Government to re-assess traffic safety at the upgraded Mornington roundabout on Hobart's Eastern Shore.

In the weeks since work on the round about has finished, the RACT has received numerous calls, emails, and letters claiming it is confusing and unsafe.

The RACT has spoken to representatives of Clarence City Council and the Tasmanian Motor Cycle Council, and both organisations have expressed similar concerns to the RACT.

The RACT's General Manager, Public Policy and Communications, Vince Taskunas, says reduced traffic flows during the school holidays are an ideal time for DIER officers to take another look at the roundabout.

"This issue is generating the most complaints in many years to the RACT from members in regards to Eastern Shore traffic matters. The complaints we've been receiving are from all categories of motorists - young, older, and frequent and infrequent users of the roundabout. One caller told me he had experienced four near misses at the roundabout in the last four weeks," said Mr Taskunas.

"With lower traffic volumes during the school holidays, now is the ideal time to re asses the situation. People contacting us have said that some of the line markings are confusing, and force drivers to make unsafe manoeuvres at the roundabout." Other problems include:

Restricted vision at the roundabout caused by vegetation
Confusion over the approaches to the roundabout
Signage which does not inform motorists sufficiently

"This is a heavily trafficked part of Hobart, and while we welcome work to upgrade the roundabout, we're concerned that safety is being degraded in the final result. DIER should use the current school holidays, which is a period of reduced traffic flow, to review design elements of the round about and instigate remedies".

RACT Federal Budget reaction

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:23:38 EST

The RACT says Tasmania has been left off the map when it comes to new transport infrastructure spending in this week's Federal Budget.

RACT Group Chief Executive, Greg Goodman, said the announcement of no new Infrastructure Australia priority project funding for Tasmania in Tuesday's Budget was disappointing.

"We acknowledge the previously-announced additional stimulus funds confirmed in this Budget such as for the Black Spot program, and road network maintenance - these extra road safety funds are very welcome," Mr Goodman said.

"We also strongly welcome the fact that Tasmania will lead the new national broadband network build, as we recognise that telecommunications infrastructure is critical to Tasmania's competitive future, and fundamental to a future that will include intelligent transportation systems (ITS).

Infrastructure Australia Priority List Funding
"Other states have received new Budget allocations through the Infrastructure Australia Priorities process for projects covering ports, rail and roads. Yet for Tasmania, there is nothing.

"A massive $8.5 billion has been committed to 'nationally significant infrastructure projects' yet not a cent of this new money will be spent in Tasmania.

"All Tasmanian projects mentioned in the Federal Minister's 2009 Budget press releases have been previously announced, or were election commitments made during the 2007 campaign.

"The important $150 million BellBay port project, which is on the Infrastructure Australia project list, received no 2009 Budget funding - and yet a similar port expansion project for the Port of Darwin received a $50 million commitment (see attached).

"In the lead up to the Budget, Australia was assured by the Federal Government that there would a big 'nation-building' stimulus package for new infrastructure projects. The results today don't match the 'national' rhetoric - at least, for Tasmania they don't.

National Road Safety Council
Mr Goodman welcomed the announcement of funding for the new National Road Safety Council announced in the Budget and said that Tasmania must be represented on the national body.

"The Federal Government is talking about an 'integrated, national focus addressing the major social problem of road trauma'. They need to ensure it is truly national," he said.

Fuel Excise Indexation
There had been speculation in the lead-up to the Budget that fuel excise indexation may have been re-introduced as a revenue measure.

Mr Goodman said that it was a relief for Tasmanian motorists that this speculation had amounted to nothing in Tuesday's Budget papers.

Official launch of new building project

Wed, 13 May 2009 16:14:51 EST

Governor to use excavator to turn sod on underground car park.

The construction phase of the RACT's new $17 million Hobart headquarters will be officially launched tomorrow, Thursday, May 14, when the State Governor and Patron of the RACT, His Excellency the Honourable Peter Underwood AO, turns the first sod on the spot which will become the centre's underground car park.

An invited audience of some 40 people, including RACT staff, builders, and architects will attend, and hear some short comments from the Governor and the President of the RACT, Roger Locke, before the official party moves onto the building site, and the Governor takes control of an excavator to turn the first sod.

Background and historical information

The RACT's new head office, on the corner of Murray and Patrick Streets, will be a four storey building, with an underground car park. It should be ready for occupation late next year.

The new building will house the RACT group activities, RACT Insurance, and the RACT driving school. In addition, it will provide upgraded facilities for staff, a new Customer Service Centre and Hobart branch. Sections of the building will be let commercially.

It is designed to incorporate high environmental standards. The building is being constructed to a NABERS rating of 4.5 and will feature innovative building management systems, together with features such as timing devices on light circuits and light level sensors, water-saving devices (including rainwater capture and reuse), and high thermal performance glazing.

The project sets the groundwork for future expansion of RACT products and services, and signals the RACT's confidence both in the future of the Tasmanian economy and the RACT's role within the Tasmanian community.

The project is being built by Tasmanian firm The Fairbrother Group, to the design of Tasmanian architect Heffernan Button Voss. As a Tasmanian entity, the RACT wanted to employ Tasmanian resources on the project.

The RACT originally purchased the site at the corner of Murray and Patrick Sts in 1969. The building dated back to 1966. Its previous owner was Dunlop Australia.

In 1969, when the RACT purchased the site, man first walked on the moon. It was also the year of Woodstock, and cricketer Shane Warne was born in the same year. Kevin Lyons and Angus Bethune formed a coalition government in Tasmania following a hung state election; and Hobart's Southern Outlet opened.

When the RACT began trading from its new building in 1970, it was Mr Bethune, as Premier, who opened it. As Mr Bethune performed the official opening of the new headquarters, Senator Peter Rae was chair the RACT's Northern Advisory Committee, which included as a member, Mr Don Wing, later to become Mayor of Launceston and President of the Legislative Council. C.D. (Colin) Moore also served on the Northern Advisory Committee, a service he continues to provide to the RACT and its members forty years later.

At the time, RACT membership stood at 40,200, compared to today's 177,000. The critical roads issue of the day was level crossing safety, and the RACT attended some 18,300 breakdowns a year, compared to some 78,000 per annum today.

RACT "Emergency Road Service" patrols were using "mobile radio" in the "Hobart and Launceston Metropolitan areas" in 1970, with all other areas linked to the service base by telephone. It is estimated that the RACT has dispatched some 2.7 million roadside help calls from the corner of Murray and Patrick streets, since the RACT began operations from the building in 1970.

While the new headquarters are built, the RACT's Hobart branch remains temporarily relocated on the premises, at the rear of the Murray St/Patrick St property. Access is from Patrick Street, with customer parking and facilities maintained on the site.

Free RACT breakdown service at AGFEST

Wed, 6 May 2009 10:28:32 EST

As a community service, the RACT will provide a free breakdown service to people attending Agfest this week.

Visitors who break down at Agfest should contact RACT on 13 1111, where they will be directed to meet an on-site RACT Roadside Technician at designated meeting points in the car park.

The RACT is also supporting the Working for a Safer Tasmania exhibit at Agfest, in partnership with the MAIB, Tasmania Police and DIER. The exhibit will feature a TAG Systems vehicle simulator, which will provide Agfest patrons with a realistic driving experience.

Agfest commences on Thursday (May 7) and continues through to Saturday May 9. Motorists can expect higher levels of traffic on the Midland and Bass Highways, and particularly the approach roads to Agfest, and should allow extra time to complete their journeys, the RACT warns.

"Yes" to new curbs on irresponsible drivers

Mon, 4 May 2009 11:52:13 EST

The RACT has given its support to the introduction of tougher car confiscation legislation in the Tasmanian Parliament.

The motoring organisation, which lobbied for so-called anti hooning legislation some years ago, says the tougher regime appears to be squarely targeted at the small percentage of drivers who placed the lives of others at risk by their road behaviour.

Unlike moves to introduce blanket speed reductions, the RACT says the move to allow Police to confiscate vehicles whose drivers speed excessively will discourage anti-social and irresponsible behaviour on the roads.

The RACT says that the majority of people on the roads are responsible drivers, and reducing speed limits generally would impact on their mobility, especially in one of the most decentralised states of Australia.

"However, targeting irresponsible drivers makes good sense and there should be zero tolerance on unlicensed and disqualified drivers," said the RACT's Chief Executive Greg Goodman.

"Any legislation in this area depends on adequate resourcing. The RACT believes that disqualified drivers should not be given a second chance to drive their cars, as will remain the case under this new legislation.

"Drivers already disqualified who offend again should lose their vehicles immediately so as to protect and safeguard law-abiding road users.

"There should be no second chance for these blatant law-breakers. It is up to government to effectively resource enforcement solutions to ensure that these sorts of offenders are properly dealt with," Mr Goodman said.

RACT expands fuel price monitoring program

Mon, 4 May 2009 11:48:13 EST

RACT welcomes government involvement

in fuel price monitoring program

The RACT has welcomed the state government's decision to partner the motoring club so that its weekly fuel price monitoring program can be expanded to daily monitoring.

The program was first introduced by the RACT as a public service some years ago. It provides a weekly snapshot of fuel prices in Tasmania, but to be more effective, the RACT has been keen to see it expanded to a daily fuel monitoring program.

"With the support of the state government, the program will now become more comprehensive, and consumers will be able to gain insights into who are the price leaders and the price laggers in Tasmania," said Greg Goodman, Chief Executive of the RACT. The Government's support will see the RACT posting updated petrol prices six days a week.

"Consumers will be able to make more informed choices about their fuel purchases, and at the same time, much more scrutiny will be placed on the strategies and decisions of the oil companies and their distributors."

A major upgrading of the RACT website is underway to accommodate the new monitoring program. "The Government's involvement in helping to fund the program represents a major advance for consumers," said Mr Goodman.

However, the RACT reminds motorists that cheapest prices aren't the only part of every individual's fuel price solution. Many motorists prefer outlets which offer full drive way service, such as provided by independents, and they should expect to pay a few cents more for this important convenience.

The RACT is aiming for a July 1 start for the new monitoring program. It will cover petrol, diesel, and LPG. Results will be posted daily at www.ract.com.au.

"Through our extensive member base, we know that Tasmanians are fuel price sensitive, and we know that too often, Tasmanians are living under a completely different pricing regime to people in Victoria"

"It has been our concern over many years that the price margin between Melbourne's terminal gate price and the retail price Victorians pay for fuel is often much smaller than the margin between the two prices in Tasmania."

Cutting the speed limit: “knee jerk” reaction

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:11:42 EST

The RACT is fielding numerous calls from members concerned at the State Government's proposal to cut speed limits in reaction to the road toll.

If the Government intends implementing lower speed limits in Tasmania, it should provide conclusive evidence now to back its current thinking, said Greg Goodman, Chief Executive of the RACT.

Mr Goodman said that lower speed limits were also flagged by the Government in 2005. "Our question then remains valid today: present the evidence that blanket speed reductions will lower the road toll."

Mr Goodman said that unless the Government could provide substantial evidence that lower speed limits save lives, it would be an experimental move, with Tasmanians as the guinea pigs. "We would be the only State in Australia under taking such a revolution in personal mobility.

"The vast majority of motorists are responsible people, and to reduce speed limits would be to penalize the entire community with no guarantee that those drivers who habitually take risks and engage in excessive speed will pay any heed to reduced speed laws.

"We need a mature response to road carnage which looks at the three key elements of education, engineering and enforcement. We should be striving for safer drivers in safer cars on safer roads, and the current commentary blaming speeding motorists entirely is a convenient way of overlooking the need for safer roads and safer cars.

"Artificially reducing speeds on our roads will only increase conflict between motorists and the Police, and the measure will be ignored by irresponsible drivers," said Mr Goodman.

Mr Goodman said that while speed was one of the contributors to the toll, there were many variables that went into the road trauma tragedy. He said a crash that might be fatal in one vehicle could be survivable in another because of superior occupant safety features, and an overtaking procedure that was safe on one road could be dangerous on another road that was too narrow and had unsealed shoulders.

"We need long term solutions to the toll - not a knee jerk reaction that is unlikely to have any effect, but will impact severely on responsible Tasmanians who, because of the decentralised nature of our state, must often travel greater distances than people living in large urban areas."

Storm damage bill rises: so does number of storms

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:47:38 EST

Damage claims to RACT Insurance arising from this week's violent storms across the North have now topped half a million dollars, with claims still being received today (Friday).

The Chief Executive of RACT Insurance, Trent Sayers, says the latest count is 132 claims worth $518,000. He says this week's storm underlines an apparent increase in the frequency of storm events in Tasmania. It is one of the reasons RACT Insurance is partnering the SES in its current Storm Safe campaign.

Claims received by RACT Insurance covered a large swathe of north western and northern Tasmania, from Strahan to Scottsdale, including Rosebery, Wynyard, Somerset, Boat Harbour, Burnie, Ulverstone, Penguin, Devonport, Turner's Beach, Port Sorell, Wesley Vale, Cressy, Carrick, Launceston and suburbs and Bridport.

Typically, claims have covered:

Roof damage and water leaking into homes
Damage to computers, DVDs, televisions, and other appliances due to power outages and water damage
Wide spreading fencing damage
Wide spread damage to outdoor settings, such as barbecues, trampolines, out door furniture
Trees and branches falling on cars
Windows smashed
and in one case, a porch blown away.

"Of concern to us beyond damage to property and goods, is the real potential for injury to people during these storms," said Mr Sayers. "That's why we're partnering the SES in its Storm Safe campaign which was launched last week by the Minister for Police and Emergency Management, Jim Cox."

Mr Sayers urged Tasmanians to go to the SES website at www.ses.tas.gov.au where people could familiarise themselves with what they need to do ahead of a storm, during a storm, and afterwards.

This week's storms follow severe wind storms in January which resulted in more than 500 claims to RACT Insurance, worth more than $700,000, with damage stretching from Hobart to Launceston.

"Excluding this week's storm, we've counted 15 major weather incidents since 2005 in Tasmania, causing over $8 million in damage to our policy holders. In the nine years prior to 2005 weather related claims cost just $2 million, suggesting that major weather incidents are on the increase, and Tasmanians need to take this into account in terms of their own safety and security, and plan to be prepared for storms in their home environment."

Aus made vehicles not on Govts purchase list

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:43:35 EST

The RACT says carbon offsets could provide a solution to the row over popular Australian-made cars being left off a list of approved vehicles for purchase by the Tasmanian Government.

The motoring body says there should be three overriding principles involved in deciding which makes of vehicle should be on the list: vehicle safety, environmental standards, and a focus on supporting Australian-made vehicles wherever possible.

"In the interests of the Australian community, all Australian governments should be supporting the acquisition of Australian-made cars that have high crash-test ratings," said RACT Group Chief Executive Greg Goodman. "We also commend government policies that insist on high greenhouse emission standards," he said.

The Australian-made cars which miss out on inclusion in the Tasmanian Government's list have been excluded because they narrowly fail to meet fuel efficiency levels in the purchase policy.

"However, both Ford and Holden are working on new technologies to increase the efficiencies of their engines and to lower their emission levels," said Mr Goodman.

"Vehicles such as the FG Falcon and Commodore Omega already enjoy 5-star ANCAP¹safety ratings, and the RACT believes that the Government should immediately include them on its approved purchase list, and invest in carbon offsets² in the short-term as a way of mitigating against the current emissions shortfall of these models.

"The investment in carbon offsets would only need to occur until such time as the models become more fuel-efficient. This solution would provide us with a win-win situation.

"The embattled Australian car manufacturing sector needs all the support it can get, and apart from just missing out on fuel economy levels in the Tasmanian Government's vehicle policy at this time, the affected cars are very safe and efficient vehicles."

The RACT says it can understand the dismay of Tasmanians, especially those whose livelihood is derived from the Australian car manufacturing industry, when they see local brands being replaced by sometimes prestigious overseas models.

ENDS

1. See www.ancap.com.au to check vehicle star-ratings for safety,

2. Through Greening Australia's revegetation carbon offsets program, a six-cylinder car/medium 4WD travelling 25,000km a year with 7.8 tonnes of emissions will cost $273.00 annually to offset these emissions. See www.breatheeasynow.com.au

Keeping Easter roads fatality free

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 14:22:05 EST

The road toll so far this year should send a warning to Easter motorists about driving safely over the holiday period, says the RACT.

There will be more cars on the roads both before and towards the end of Easter, and many drivers will be impatient to get to their destinations so that they can make the most of the holiday.

"This year's appalling road toll should be uppermost in all drivers' minds," said the RACT's public policy manager, Vince Taskunas

"While the dangers of speed and drink driving are well understood by the average motorist, even the most conscientious drivers can be susceptible to the effects of fatigue.

"At Easter, drivers may be setting out for the shack after a busy week of work, or even at the end of a working day, and they will want to reach their destination as quickly as possible so that they can begin a relaxing holiday.

"In such conditions, fatigue can be a hidden killer. When a car inexplicably runs off the road, or crosses to the wrong side of the road for no apparent reason, it can be difficult to identify that fatigue was a factor in the resulting crash, although it is easier to ascertain when speed and drinking contribute to crashes.

"Many drivers admit to nodding off on a long trip, even just for a second or two. We know that speed and drinking heighten the risk of a crash, but drivers aren't quite as aware that lack of a good night night's sleep, or driving for too long without a break, can also increase the risk of a crash."

Plan to arrive safely, advises the RACT. "Importantly, don't allow irritation to creep into your driving pattern because of higher than normal traffic volumes, especially on Thursday and Monday afternoons".

The RACT recommends that drivers get a good night's rest the day before a longer than normal drive. They should not take off on their trip straight after a day at work, and they should avoid heavy meals and alcohol before departure.

Mr Taskunas said that drivers should take a break every two hours at the most - preferably every hour. "It's incorrect to believe that coffee will keep you awake, or that winding down the window will reinvigorate you. The only safe option to combat fatigue is to take a regular break, get out of the car, and take a short walk."

Roadkill Seminar

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:19:32 EST

Friday April 3, 2009

RACT Hobart: cnr Murray and Warwick Streets (temporary office)

10.30am -12.00 noon

The RACT is hosting a seminar on the issue of wild life road kill in the board room of its temporary headquarters on the corner of Murray and Warwick streets. Road kill is an issue of significant public interest in terms of road safety, tourism, and animal welfare.

The seminar will be attended by representatives of Government agencies, the Tasmanian Conservation Trust, and others with an interest in the field.

There will be a presentation by CSIRO biologist Dr Alistair Hobday, who will discuss road kill black spots, and a short film presentation: Tasmania the road kill state, by film maker Chloe Lucas. The seminar will culminate with a round table discussion.

Media are welcome to attend. Those with limited time may prefer to arrive at the commencement of the seminar, or towards the end. Dr Hobday has indicated a preference to talk to media after the seminar.

For further information, Vince Taskunas on 0417 005 647

Victorian Bush Fire Appeal donations collected

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:17:50 EST

When: Thursday, March 26, 10.30am

Where: RACT Boardroom

Following the tragic Victorian bushfires staff at the RACT's head office and RACT branches held a staff collection to go to the Salvation Army's Victorian Bushfire Appeal.

The RACT matched the amount raised by staff, and a morning tea will be held tomorrow, Thursday March 26, to hand over the total amount: $5,698.00 to the Salvation Army representatives, who will give some brief insights into their on-the-ground experiences.

Media are welcome to attend the morning tea.

Entries open for 2009 Portrait Prize

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:54:23 EST

Entries are now being accepted for the 2009 RACT Insurance Tasmanian Youth Portraiture Prize.

Last year's inaugural Prize was so successful - attracting 43 entries - that RACT Insurance and Tasmanian Regional Arts decided to continue the event. "Young artists clearly embraced the concept last year, which provides them with an important platform to both exhibit their talents and bench mark their work against others," said Paul Jenkins, from Tasmanian Regional Arts

The Prize is open to Tasmanian artists aged 30 and under. They are invited to paint a portrait of a living Tasmanian who inspires them. An artist statement describing the inspiration and meaning behind the artwork should also be submitted as it will be assessed as part of the judging process. The RACT Insurance Tasmanian Youth Portraiture Prize is believed to be the only such competition in Australia.

This year, entries close on June 30 and the winners will be announced on September 4 in Devonport. The judging panel includes: Adriane Boag of the National Gallery of Australia, Helene Weeding of the Queen Victoria Museum and ArtGallery, and Kim Schneiders of Interweave Arts, Launceston.

The overall winner will receive $5,000 and a trip for two to view the Archibald exhibition in Sydney. The runner up and Sponsor's choice will receive $500 and this year a new People's Choice award of $500 is being introduced.

"The People's Choice award will give members of the public viewing the exhibition in Devonport, Launceston and Hobart an opportunity to vote for their personal favourite", said Paul Jenkins.

Last year, the portraits submitted included a newspaper sub-editor, an artist's two year old son, a Greens politician, and an independent MLC. The judges voted Self Portrait with a Cow near Richmond, By Hilton Owen of RoseBay, as the winner of the inaugural Prize.

The RACT Insurance Tasmanian Youth Portraiture Prize is a partnership between RACT Insurance, Clemenger Tasmania, Geon, and Tasmanian Regional Arts. The objective is to foster the development of young Tasmanian artists and provide an opportunity for the public to recognise the talents of Tasmania's emerging artists.

A new website has been launched to allow artists and the public to learn more about the award, view previous finalists and winners, and find out how to enter. It's at www.typp.com.au

Tasmanian diesel prices query

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:35:48 EST

Fuel price monitoring conducted yesterday by the RACT shows that some Tasmanians are being asked to pay nearly 20 cents per litre more for diesel than published terminal gate prices (TGP).

The Australian Institute of Petroleum (www.aip.com.au) publishes daily TGP data for all major Australian cities. According to Qld-based commodities analyst FuelTrac, TGP is "usually for full tanker loads (of at least 35,000 litres) for product paid COD."

The RACT's General Manager - Public Policy and Communications, Vince Taskunas, says that if TGP is used as a "notional wholesale" price, then Tasmanian retail prices are currently way out of line. He's also queried why the retail price for diesel is generally much higher than unleaded in Tasmania, although the TGP is much the same price.

"According to aip.com.au data, Hobart TGP for diesel is currently 110.59 cents per litre and 110.89 cpl for unleaded. Yet in central Hobart, one outlet is asking customers to pay 131.9 cents per litre for diesel. How does that work?" Mr Taskunas said.

"The State's cheapest diesel is currently being offered in Sorell, where the independent BP service station at 121.9 cpl has led the other three outlets (Coles, Woolworths and United) in a discount war on diesel prices. Woolworths in Sorell is matching the 121.9 cpl price, with United at 121.7 being the cheapest by a slim margin.

"Yet if you buy diesel at Woolworths outlets in Hobart, you will be charged up to six cents more. If they can match the cheaper prices of the independents in Sorell, then what does it say about the prices Woolworths are charging elsewhere in Tasmania?"

Mr Taskunas said that Sorell was the only centre in Tasmania where ULP and diesel prices were generally in alignment. "Given that the terminal gate price for diesel is actually less than unleaded right now, the RACT queries why diesel prices are so much higher than ULP elsewhere in Tasmania," he said.

Summary: Fuel prices around Tasmania

Centre	ULP price range cpl	Diesel price range cpl
Central Hobart	121.7 - 129.9	126.9 - 131.9
Hobart North	119.9 - 129.9	127.9 - 129.9
Hobart South	119.9 - 123.9	127.9 - 129.9
Launceston	119.5 - 124.9	122.9 - 130.9
Devonport	113.7 - 119.9	124.9 - 129.9
Burnie	117.7 - 125.9	122.9 - 130.9
Sorell	121.9 - 123.9	121.7 - 127.9

Full results of yesterday's fuel price monitoring can be found at www.ract.com.au

New RACT building development for Hobart

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:31:49 EST

The RACT is about to commence a $17 million redevelopment of its head office in Hobart. A four storey building, designed to incorporate high environmental standards, will emerge from the current 40 year old RACT headquarters on the corner of Murray and Patrick Streets.

Once completed next year, the new building will house the RACT group activities, RACT Insurance, and the RACT driving school. In addition, it will provide upgraded facilities for staff, in particular the Customer Service Centre and the Hobart branch. Sections of the building will be let commercially. It will feature customer parking and lift access from a basement level.

The Chief Executive of the RACT, Greg Goodman, says the project signals the RACT's confidence in the future of the Tasmanian economy. It also sets the ground work for future expansion of RACT products and services.

"The image the new building creates will be consistent with the high recognition of the RACT brand in Tasmania," said Mr Goodman.

The new RACT headquarters will be built by a local Tasmanian firm Fairbrother, to the design of Tasmanian architect Heffernan Button Voss.

"As a completely Tasmanian entity, the RACT was very keen to employ Tasmanian resources on this project, to ensure the fullest economic stimulus remains here in the State," said Mr Goodman.

"We have taken particular care to include in the design high environmental standards. The building will be constructed to a NABERS rating of 4.5 and will feature innovative building management systems, together with features such as timing devices on light circuits and light level sensors, water-saving devices and high thermal performance glazing.

The Club's Hobart branch will be temporarily relocated on the premises during the building works, at the rear of the Murray St/Patrick St property. Access will be from Patrick Street, with customer parking and facilities maintained on the site.

"For our Hobart branch customers, we will continue to provide you with the same high levels of service and facilities which you would expect to experience at the RACT during this exciting new development," said Mr Goodman.

Rising 'road kill' insurance claims

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:09:32 EST

Each year RACT Insurance compiles information on the incidence of "roadkill" involving collisions between policy holders' vehicles and wildlife and other animals. The aim is to raise awareness among drivers of the dangers of wildlife on Tasmanian roads. RACT Insurance is the largest car insurer in the State.

2008 saw another increase in the incidence of collisions caused by animals. The figures supplied by RACT Insurance include both collisions, and crashes which occur when drivers swerve to avoid animals on the road.

Calendar year 2008 saw 559 such claims, at an average repair cost of $1,800, compared to 527 claims in 2007, at an average cost of $1,717. Last year was the 9^th year in a row that the number of claims increased. (In 2006, claims totaled just over 400, at an average repair bill of $1,620.)

The state's hot spots

RACT Insurance claims in 2008 show that the DerwentValley and southern CentralHighlands were the worst areas for animal related car claims, followed by the Brighton/southern Midlands area, the MeanderValley, and Glamorgan/Spring Bay.

Types of animal

Overwhelmingly, policy holders reported collisions with wallabies.

Animal	South	North	North West	Overall
Wallabies	79%	82%	86%	81%
wombats	3%	5%	0%	3%
possums	3%	4%	0%	3%
farm animals: cows, horses, sheep,	3%	1%	1%	1%
Deer	1%	1%	0%	1%
Domestic animals: dogs, cats	8%	3%	8%	6%
Unknown and miscellaneous	4%	3%	3%	5%

"Anecdotally, we're receiving reports from policy holders that the population of wallabies is on the increase, even quite close to city and town centres" said Trent Sayers, Chief Executive of RACT Insurance. "Some of our policy holders wonder if drought might be bringing them closer to towns and cities.

"One point is certain: if there is a collision, they can do a lot of damage to a vehicle, and motorists need to be alert for their presence on roads, especially in the pre-dawn and dusk light."

The larger the animal, the more the damage. Repairs after a wallaby strike cost an average $1,597. Where a kangaroo is encountered, the repair bill is an average $1,675. Large animals such as cows and horses result in an average repair bill of $3,230, while a possum strike, on average will cost $1,761.

Worst times

The evening, and about the time of dawn, are the two most common times for an incident involving wild life.

64% of incidents occur between 5.00pm and 12.00pm

18% of all incidents occur between 4.00am and 8.00am

12% occur at other times

This occurrence is consistent across the state's regions, although slightly more incidents occur in the north in the evening.

Seasonally, autumn is the most likely time to experience road conflict with animals (31% of all related claims); followed by winter (26%), summer (22%) and spring (20%)

"Conflict with animals on the road is not just a matter of costly repairs to your vehicle," said Mr Sayers. "There is also a personal safety issue, because people often crash when swerving suddenly to avoid an animal, and a collision with a large beast can also be as dangerous as a collision with another car.

"Given the complaints of visitors to Tasmania about roadkill, the problem seems to be greater here than in many other parts of Australia, and motorists need to be mindful than even when traveling on a quiet road at night, they could suddenly be confronted around the next corner by a large wallaby in the middle of the road."

More complaints about road works signs

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:06:56 EST

The RACT is still receiving complaints from the public about road works signs, and has again called on the State Government to detail how it monitors its contractors.

The latest complaints involve works on the Tasman Highway where a speed reduction sign is apparently not followed by an end speed reduction sign. This situation requires motorists legally to maintain a reduced speed even when they are well past the section of road where works were underway.

RACT public policy general manager, Vince Taskunas, said RACT members on the North-WestCoast had also detailed recent instances of incomplete road works signage at a meeting in Burnie.

Last month, callers to the RACT complained about road works signs on the Midland Highway over a long weekend.

The RACT says that incorrect signage does two things: it encourages motorists to ignore such signs, which places road workers at greater risk, and it creates an artificial speed trap for speed cameras for

"No one questions the need for speed restrictions where road works are underway, or where works have been recently completed, and finishing touches such as line markings still need to occur. But we receive too many complaints from motorists about sub standard signage," Mr Taskunas said.

"An Australian Standard covers signage at road works sites, and the State Government needs to assure us that it is enforcing the Standard, and how it is doing so. Who, for instance, is checking that road works contractors are placing End Road Works signs at an appropriate point beyond the location of road works?

"Reduced speed limits should not be in place for any longer than is necessary, and signage must be visible at start and end of works.

"From the complaints we're regularly receiving, it appears someone needs to be checking these matters, for the benefit of both of road workers' safety and motorists," Mr Taskunas said.

RACT honours their 50 year members

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:04:43 EST

The RACT today honoured Tasmanians who have been members of the club for at least 50 years.

About 180 people attended the function at Hobart's Wrest Point, including 84 Tasmanians who have been members of the RACT for 50 years or more. That adds up to 4,200 years of combined driving experience.

The State Governor - also Patron of the Club - His Excellency the Honourable Peter Underwood AO - attended the function, and those being honoured included a cross section of the community, from a husband and wife couple to broadcaster Bob Curé.

Each long serving member received a plaque to mark their 50 year membership.

The RACT's origins go back to 1923 - making it older than the first Parliament in Canberra. "We honour and acknowledge the contribution of our members over the generations," said the RACT's President, Roger Locke. "At the same time, our focus is firmly on the current and future needs of Tasmanians, and our vision is to continue the growth trajectory which has made this Club such a great Tasmanian institution.

"There aren't many organisations in Australia which can point to loyalty of such dimensions and such longevity, and the RACT takes enormous pride in the compliment Tasmanians pay to our Club by remaining part of our community for so many years."

In the past two years, hundreds of other Tasmanians have received plaques to commemorate their 50 years of RACT membership, at ceremonies in Burnie, Launceston, and Hobart.

Background

The RACT started as a club for motoring enthusiasts, and had its beginnings at a meeting in a Hobart café in 1923. In the same year - 1923 - regular radio broadcasting came to Australia, and Vegemite was invented. It was four years before the first Parliament was held in Canberra.

Because mass motoring was in its infancy in the 1920's, membership of the Club could be counted in the hundreds. Today, about 189,000 Tasmanians have RACT membership, representing some 37% of the Tasmanian population.

The early activities of the Club were confined to picnic outings, and social occasions at the Club's headquarters in Hobart. The breakdown service was an early innovation. In 1927, it comprised a part time officer equipped with a motor cycle. In the same year, the Club was granted the royal warrant, and was called the Royal Autocar Club of Tasmania. This was amended to the current name in 1955.

During the 1950's the Club expanded to all parts of the State, through amalgamations with other motoring organisations, and the establishment of a branch network. The Club has also grown strongly in the years since in terms of the many services it provides to members.

Storms over Southern Tasmania

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:21:33 EST

RACT Insurance received 44 claims this morning for damage related to last night's storm activity over southern Tasmania. One of the claims related to a direct lightning strike.

Trent Sayers, Chief Executive of RACT Insurance, says widespread electrical storms caused water damage and hail damage over a wide area of southern Tasmania, from Westerway to Blackman's Bay.

"While the calls for help from policy holders have not been as many as the nearly 500 claims received following last month's wild gales, it has nevertheless kept us fairly busy, and adds weight to our own suspicions based on our claims experience that severe weather events are on the increase in Tasmania", said Mr Sayers.

At Westerway, a lightning strike on a house damaged a home computer and a phone, and caused consternation to the residents. Hail damage at Blackman's Bay knocked the guttering off a house, while water damage affected a number of homes.

Appliances in one house suffered damage in a power surge, and there were three single vehicle accidents reported to RACT Insurance as a result of the heavy rain.

"We always advise policy holders in these situations to contact RACT Insurance as soon as possible so that we can attend to any emergency repairs that may be required," said Mr Sayers.

Tasmanians with diesel driven cars paying too much

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:45:55 EST

The RACT says Tasmanians with diesel driven cars are still paying too much for their fuel, and it appears that private motorists are being used to subsidise deals bringing lower diesel prices for some industry groups.

The RACT says it is aware of industry groups in Tasmania which buy in bulk and are effectively paying up to 15 cents per litre less than private motorists. At the same time, Tasmanian private drivers are paying far more than their Melbourne counterparts.

"There seems to be a lively competition underway for corporate accounts, at the expense of the private motorist," said the RACT's Chief Executive, Greg Goodman.

Yesterday, (Thursday), the published terminal gate price of diesel in Hobart was 116.56 cents per litre, yet private motorists were paying up to 139.9 cents per litre in greater Hobart.

"At the same time, we know that private deals mean that some industry groups are paying far less than the average motorist," said Mr Goodman. "Are private consumers being used to subsidise cheaper diesel for big industry?"

"we have also been told that operators in some industry sectors are buying bulk diesel for around four cents cheaper than bulk unleaded petrol at the moment - and yet our members are paying retail prices for diesel at least ten cents higher on average than unleaded petrol"

"How can this be the case?"

Price monitoring by the RACT yesterday showed that Tasmanian motorists who rely upon diesel were paying anything from 127.9cpl to 139.9cpl.

In comparison, the diesel wholesale price in Melbourne today is 111.95 cents, and motorists are typically paying just 116.9cpl to 117.3cpl.

"There is," said Mr Goodman, "an enormous discrepancy between Tasmanian and Melbourne prices which the oil industry should explain and justify."

The RACT's fuel price monitoring, available at www.ract.com.au shows the following retail price variance for diesel in Tasmania:

Greater Hobart: 130.9cpl - 135.9cpl

Launceston: 127.9cpl - 138.9cpl

Devonport 133.9cpl - 139.9cpl

Burnie 129.9cpl - 136.9cpl

Cruise holiday demand continues to grow strongly

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:56:27 EST

Tasmanian maritime heritage will rendezvous this week Tuesday 17^th February 2009, with the latest in global maritime luxury at the mouth of the Derwent River.

RACT Travelworld has organised a breakfast cruise on the 1912-built Cartela to greet the latest addition of the Cunard fleet, the 90,000 tonne Queen Victoria, on her inaugural visit to Hobart.

RACT Travelworld organised the breakfast trip on the Cartela for upcoming cruise clients and experienced cruisers who want to see the latest offering from the luxury Cunard fleet.

Robyn Sinfield, General Manager of RACT Travelworld and the specialty division of CRUISEland, says the cruise industry continues to experience unprecedented growth, the current economic situation notwithstanding.

"Thirty eight new cruise ships are currently under construction, and will be in service 2012. By next year, the world fleet will have an additional 75,000 staterooms to offer to cruise passengers," says Mrs Sinfield.

According to the Cruise Council of Australia, which collects official passenger statistics each year for the Australia and New Zealand market, growth in the region has been almost 300% in the last six years.

"Total cruise passengers from the two countries have grown from around 100,000 to just under 300,000 passengers. Yet it still represents less than two percent of the world cruise market," says Mrs Sinfield.

On a global scale, approximately 16 million people take a cruise holiday each year.

"Irrespective of world economic factors, confidence within the cruising industry remains high," she says.

"As a holiday model, cruising represents great value for money, and that is recognised by consumers all over the world. For one inclusive price, holidaymakers visit multiple destinations, eat as much food as they want, enjoy free daily entertainment, and all without having to constantly pack and unpack as they move from one destination to another.

Along with increased capacity, cruise itineraries are increasingly designed to suit every taste and budget.

From a family holiday in the Pacific
To the tranquil beauty of a European River Cruise
From the intimate luxury of small ship cruising
To the mega liners that traverse the Atlantic

There are so many different types of cruises available, which is why the cruise passenger market is so broad. From singles, couples and families to baby boomers, seniors and retirees - a huge range of consumers are now cruising.

And despite the economic gloom we are very optimistic that they will keep doing so simply based on value for money and ease in troubled world times.

"Over the summer months, the popularity of cruising is particularly evident in Australia as we experience what is known as our "Wave Season" - where we have not only our locally based ships departing from Australian ports, but also many visiting international ships - giving us more capacity than we have ever experienced in local waters".

If you have a view of the River - keep an eye out on Tuesday 17^th February when Queen Victoria cruises into Hobart.

Inconsistent road works signage

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 10:12:51 EST

The RACT is calling on the State Government to better monitor contractors engaged in road works. Over the recent long weekend, road works signs were in place in three separate locations on the Midland Highway, without any apparent road works.

"It simply encourages drivers to become cynical of road works speed restriction signs, endangering workers at sites where restrictions are being legitimately employed," said RACT Chief Executive Greg Goodman.

"One complainant told us they traveled to Launceston on Saturday, and many slowed to 80 km/h even though there was no indication of any road works occurring.

"Returning to Hobart the next day, the complainant said it appeared most motorists ignored the reduce speed signs, because of the lack of road works activity."

Mr Goodman said that inconsistent signage was encouraging motorists to ignore slow down warnings, even at locations where road works may be occurring.

"There is a legal requirement on drivers to slow down to the posted speed limit, even if no road works are taking place. This can make law-breakers out of many innocent motorists. It also compromises the effectiveness of legitimate road works signs.

"We have no sympathy for motorists who put road workers at risk, but at the same time, motorists need to have confidence that road works speed restrictions are serving a real purpose. Otherwise there is a risk that signage will be ignored, and lives placed at risk."

Mr Goodman said that road works signage was covered by an Australian Standard (AS 1742 - 2002), and the Tasmanian government should be ensuring its road works contractors complied fully with the Standard.

The RACT understands that on many occasions, speeds need to be reduced at locations where road works have recently been completed, such as where new lines have not yet been marked, even though the road works have been completed.

"Signage should indicate a speed limit which is appropriate to the road condition, and the reduced speed limit should not be imposed for a greater distance than necessary.

"However, road works signs which are used when no road works are apparent, and which fail to indicate when the temporary speed limit ends, only encourage drivers to ignore them altogether, to the detriment of road safety," Mr Goodman said.

Back to school: plan for road safety

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 10:04:19 EST

As schools return for 2009, the RACT is urging parents to give close consideration to drop-off and pick-up arrangements for young children. At the start of every year the RACT fields concerns from the public about traffic congestion around schools, coupled with erratic driving, double parking, and unsafe maneuvering.

Last year, calls to the RACT complained of cars moving very slowly as they sought a parking spot close to the school gates; and cars stopping suddenly - even double parking - in the street to let children off.

"It's a very dangerous environment for young children, as well as being hazardous for other motorists," said the RACT's Chief Executive Greg Goodman.

The RACT encouraged and supported the development of the walking school bus program in 2006. While the program may not be available in all schools, and may be more applicable for children living close to schools, it is a worthwhile alternative to the dangerous traffic flows that can develop around schools, and it is also good for children's health, and the environment, says the RACT.

"It's better for everyone if parents can arrange to drop their children off a kilometre or two away from the school gates to join an organised walking school bus. It leads to safer roads and is good for children's health. We'd encourage parents to check with their school about whether or not such a program is in place," said Mr Goodman.

The RACT has also reminded motorists of their obligations in school zones, to watch out for small children and to ensure the 40km/h speed limits are adhered to.

While the RACT has no sympathy for drivers who are caught speeding in school zones, the Club is mindful that motorists often report confusion over the location of schools zones, and the times that reduced speed limits operate.

The State Government launched a program in early 2008 to upgrade warning signs in school zones, as part of the Tasmanian RoadSafety Strategy 2007-2016. (see attachment 1). The LED flashing signs are a highly-visible measure, long advocated by the RACT, and three were installed at selected sites as a trial during 2008.

"It appears that what was a three year installation program, has now become a four year program, and that the full implementation of all these signs will now not happen until 2011. We'd urge the Government to move as quickly as possible on this implementation, in the interests of children and motorists."

RACT urges quick roll-out for new schoolzone signs

Wed, 4 Feb 2009 15:01:48 EST

The RACT has welcomed the Government's announcement today of a batch of new LED flashing speed limit signs on roads in Tasmanian school zones - but wants to see the rest as quickly as possible.

The RACT notes that a three year roll-out of school zone signs announced last year, remains - a year later - a three year implementation program.

"The importance of pedestrian safety around schools is an ongoing, key, concern for the RACT and these highly-visible signs will make school zones safer," said the RACT's Public Policy General Manager, Vince Taskunas.

"The RACT has pursued this matter for a number of years, urging the Government to act as quickly as possible. Reduction of speed around schools is an important factor in making our roads safer overall, which is why the RACT strongly supports this initiative as part of the Tasmanian Government's Tasmanian Road Safety Strategy 2007-2016," Mr Taskunas said.

"While the RACT has no sympathy whatsoever for drivers who are caught speeding in school zones, the Club is mindful of motorists who regularly report confusion about the location of schools zones, and the times that reduced speed limits operate.

"These signs, with their flashing rings and LED displays, have been shown in other jurisdictions to draw much greater driver attention to school zone speed limits. The RACT has received many positive comments about the three trial signs that have operated during 2008 in Tasmania".

Mr Taskunas urged the Tasmanian Government to roll out the new Electronic Speed Limit Signs quickly, noting the estimated 700-sign programme had a three-year implementation time-frame.

"The RACT first approached government about this at least six years ago, so we hope that this roll-out happens as quickly as possible. When action was first announced in early 2008, it was going to be a three-year rollout - now a year later, it is still a three-year roll-out.

"The new signs should be extended to all other school zones as quickly as possible to ensure that students, families and school communities benefit," Mr Taskunas said.

RACT Insurance annual list of strange claims

Tue, 3 Feb 2009 16:34:23 EST

Each January, RACT Insurance compiles a list of unusual insurance claims that have caused a chuckle in the claims office. Last year, it was a fellow who tried to flick a cigarette butt out of his car. Instead, it blew back in and down the front of his shirt, causing the car to crash, luckily without casualties.

A rich list of Tasmanian misadventure throughout 2008 highlights the things children can do, the things that pets can do, and other calamities that befall the residents of our island state. Trent Sayers, Chief Executive Officer of RACT Insurance, says that after investigation, all the claims listed here were accepted by RACT Insurance.

This year's most unusual claim goes to a fisherman who tried to land the Big One. He was attempting to pull a large shark into his boat. But the shark wasn't going quietly, so much so that it smashed into the auxiliary motor, wrecked it, and also damaged the vessel's sonar. The final scene witnessed the shark indignantly swimming away and the boat limping for port.

Animals were again a feature of claims to RACT Insurance, such as the policy holder who was out for a day's recreational shooting with his pet dog. Unfortunately the shooter tripped over the dog, and discharged his shotgun into his car. Both barrels.

A number of incidents involved children. One policy holder was forced to claim after her toddler son decided to tidy up by trying to flush her mobile phone, video camera, and keys, down the toilet. He threw his dummy in, too.

One claim very close to home involved a policy holder who had brought their car to the RACT to have the damaged assessed following a collision. While parked in the RACT car park while the owner consulted claims staff, the unlucky car was hit again, by someone trying to back out of a parking spot.

In other unusual incidents:

A policy holder thought they could just squeeze down a narrow lane between two buildings. They couldn't. Wing mirrors ripped off first, then the side panels got battered.

The policy holder jumped into his car and started it. But instead of putting his foot on the brake, he hit the accelerator. The car catapulted over a wharf into the water

Family heirlooms are priceless to adults, but not necessarily to children. One policy holder lost her engagement ring, her mother's engagement ring, and even her grandmother's wedding ring, when the dear little children chose to put them down a large drain hole.

A policy holder was out on a friend's ski boat, taking some pictures on a $1,000 digital camera. The friend did a sudden, tight turn, and the camera spun through the air, "landing" in water that was at least 100 fathoms deep.

The policy holder was walking her dog on the beach. As dogs do, it plunged into the water. The dog was on a leash, and unfortunately the owner forgot to let go, and ended up in the water too. She managed to retrieve her wallet from the sandy bottom, but her mobile phone had sounded its last ring tone.

Another policy holder has gone off goats as pets. Her goat saw its own reflection in her lounge room windows, and head butted two of them, smashing them.

Mr Sayers says that luckily no one was injured in the mishaps which make up this year's list. "However, these incidents highlight the need for people to be cautious in their every day activities.

"While a lot of attention is paid these days to the need for safety in the work place, our experience is that a lot goes wrong outside the work environment. Whether it's thinking before you act, or just storing objects away from small children, a little pre-planning and caution can save the day."

Storm damage hotspots

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:32:46 EST

RACT Insurance has now received more than 250 claims for damage caused by yesterday's gale force winds.

Additional staff wererostered on at the RACT Insurance Hobart call centre today, and assessors were busy examining damage suffered by policy holders.

Trent Sayers, Chief Executive of RACT Insurance, said damage to date exceeds $300,000.

He said damage claims continue to flow in from around the State, with a concentration of claims from Hobart's Eastern Shore and in its northern suburbs.

"So far, most of our claims are coming from the Howrah/Bellerive area, followed by the Glenorchy area and Launceston."

Claims include trees on cars and houses, garden outsheds blown away, roof and guttering damage, and children's trampolines turning into destructive missiles.

"Yesterday's storm was not as severe as the hurricane-like winds which hit Tasmania in early April last year, resulting in nearly 1,300 claims for damage worth in total just over $2 million. While that event was the most severe in RACT Insurance history, yesterday's storm was the worst since last April's record breaking destruction".

"I'd urge policy holders who suffered damage yesterday to contact RACT Insurance as soon as possible so that we can attend to any emergency repairs that may be required. I'd also suggest that people tidy up any loose debris around their property to avoid any possible further damage in the event that windy weather occurs over the long weekend."

Storm force gail means busy afternoon at RACTI

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:31:59 EST

RACT Insurance has received more than 355 calls from policy holders so far today, as storm force winds lashed Tasmania.

In the same period 87 storm claims have been lodged.

Damage being reported to RACT Insurance ranges from flying garden furniture to trees down, and roofing tiles dislodged.

Calls are coming from state wide, with the majority centred on the northern suburbs, the eastern shore and BlackmansBay.

Trent Sayers, Chief Executive of RACT Insurance, says "The call rate has meant a busy afternoon for the RACT Insurance call centre in Hobart". But he said "Policy holders should have no difficulty in contacting the call centre if they need to do so on 132722".

Mr Sayers said he expects the call rate to pick up tomorrow (Friday) as many people are still at work and won't be able to assess damage around their properties until later today and tomorrow morning.

RACT: Diesel prices pose serious questions

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 11:01:13 EST

The RACT says its members who drive diesel vehicles would like to know why diesel prices are currently so high around Tasmania.

The latest fuel price monitoring conducted yesterday (Thursday Jan 15) by the RACT shows that the lowest price a Tasmanian motorist can expect to pay is 129.8cpl, with the vast majority of outlets selling diesel for 135.9cpl to 139.9cpl. The published terminal gate price for Hobart is 120.01cpl.

"The price of unleaded petrol varies across the State, with some outlets still selling for less than $1 a litre, despite a spike upwards this week. Generally, prices for ULP have been closer to those on the mainland. But it's a different case on diesel," said the RACT's General Manager Public Policy, Vince Taskunas.

"The difference between ULP prices and diesel prices is now as much as 40 cents per litre if you compare the lowest available ULP price with the $139.9cpl which many owners of diesel driven cars are being forced to pay," said Mr Taskunas.

"We know that diesel prices can be lower for big industry sectors, and large individual companies, based on the rates they negotiate with the oil companies. Big diesel users also attract Government subsidies.

"It leaves the individual car owner out in the cold, and being asked to pay a premium for diesel fuel. The situation is particularly inequitable because many diesel car owners bought their cars on the basis that diesel prices were previously much less than ULP.

"It should also be a matter of concern to governments that the current high price of diesel mitigates against greener motoring, as diesel is a far cleaner fuel.

Average retail diesel prices in most other capital cities for Friday 16^th January are more than ten cents per litre lower than the average Hobart price.

Melbourne's average diesel price is at 122.2 cents per litre, followed by Adelaide 123.7 cpl, Sydney 124.6 cpl, Brisbane 125.5 cpl (without subsidy), Perth 125.6 cpl. [source: Motormouth fuel prices Australia 16 Jan]

Hobart's average is 136.6 cents per litre!

"This is nearly fifteen cents difference between Melbourne and Hobart's average price for diesel - today. It seems the lowest diesel price we can find in Tasmania is five cents higher than some of the highest prices in Melbourne. We pose the question: why?"

2009:Time for Federal Labor to deliver on promises

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 09:47:55 EST

The RACT has urged the Australian government to get on with some of the Tasmanian infrastructure promises made at the last Federal election.

It says Tasmania's experience of the Rudd Government so far could be summed up as: long on election promises, but short on action.

"Their $446 million dollars of spending promises before the election in 2007 were rightly tinged with a note of urgency. Yet little of substance has followed, apart from one or two minor works projects," said the RACT's Chief Executive, Greg Goodman.

"Specifically, the Club is concerned about $132.5 million in Federal funding for key rail improvement projects promised at the election, and strongly supported by the RACT, including the Rhyndaston Rail, Derwent Valley Line, Wiltshire Line, Main Line Capacity Improvements, Bell Bay Intermodal and West Coast rail spurs projects.

Mr Goodman said he believed the growing frustration of the RACT was shared by other stakeholders in the transport infrastructure field, including the Tasmanian Government.

"While we welcome the recent publicity about $30 million worth of new track and sleepers - that is old money from the previous administration's 'Rail rescue Package'. These projects are overdue to modernise the state' infrastructure, and they are vital this year as an economic stimulus to counter the international recession which is beginning to impact locally.

Concerned about possible Federal funding delays, an RACT delegation met directly with Federal Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese during the Rudd Government Community Cabinet consultations in Launceston late last year.

Minister Albanese subsequently wrote to the Club, stating:

"…As I said at the meeting, you can be assured that the Rudd Government will meet its election commitments on infrastructure projects in Tasmania." (Letter to RACT President Roger Locke 2 Dec 2008).

"The question is: when, exactly? Our members have a right to know," said Mr Goodman.

Mr Goodman said the Tasmanian Government deserved recognition for its decision to press ahead with the jointly-funded Brighton Transport Hub, even though the $56 million promised funding from the Australian Government is, the Club understands, yet to materialise.

"The Tasmanian Government shouldn't be cashflow-funding the Australian Government.

"After last year's Federal budget, the RACT expressed its concern that Canberra was apparently talking about implementing some of its election commitments as late as 2013-2014 - almost two additional elections away! This certainly wasn't made clear at the time of the 2007 Federal election campaign," said Mr Goodman.

New Chief Executive for RACT Insurance

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 11:28:52 EST

The RACT has announced the appointment of Trent Sayers as the new Chief Executive Officer of RACT Insurance.

Mr Sayers was chosen after a national search to fill a position vacated by Ralph Doedens, who is leaving RACT Insurance to take up a new role interstate.

Mr Sayers comes to RACT Insurance after 15 years experience within a large direct personal lines insurer. Most recently performing the role of Executive Manager for South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory and he is excited about the opportunity of joining the biggest home and car insurer in Tasmania.

Greg Goodman (Group CEO of RACT) said that Ralph Doedens would be missed. "His focus on first rate products and services has helped propel RACT Insurance to the leading market position in this state.

"We're very pleased to have obtained the services of Trent Sayers as Ralph's replacement. Trent is keen to return to Tasmania and has a strong respect for our business. He understands our values and vision and is keen to grow RACT Insurance into the future."

January popular for Home Thefts

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 09:14:54 EST

RACT Insurance is advising the community to take particular care with home security over the current summer period. Over the last five years, January has had the highest number of claims per day for home thefts, according to RACT Insurance data.

Tasmania's biggest personal lines insurer says the good news is that home theft claims for the last 12 months have dropped 14% compared to the previous 12 months.

"January is always a hot spot because criminals expect people to be away from home for longer periods, either on holidays, or enjoying summer leisure activities," said Ralph Doedens, Chief Executive of RACT Insurance. "Many homes also are stocked up with new gadgets and equipment which were acquired as Christmas gifts."

On average, RACT Insurance experiences two claims a day in January for theft from homes.

Forced entry claims are still the most common home claims occurring about twice as often as unforced thefts or outdoor thefts of external items around the home. Items stolen over the holiday period typically include:

* Electrical goods: mobiles, laptops, cameras, ipods, CDs, DVDs as well as TVs, DVD players, and game consoles.

* Wallets/loose money, keys and jewellery

* Power tools and bikes from sheds/garages

RACT Insurance advises that you regularly record serial numbers, and consider engraving valuable items, as you acquire them, and make sure newly acquired gifts are allowed for under your contents insurance cover or listed as personal effects (if applicable) sooner rather than later.

If you're away from your house over January, RACT Insurance recommends that you:

* Ensure that the house is locked securely before leaving it.

* Install good quality locks for doors and windows.

*Consider security screen doors.

* Don't leave keys under mats or other obvious places.

* Make sure the garage is locked

* Don't leave ladders or tools unsecured in the garden. Lock them away.

* Have adequate lighting around the home Think about leaving a light on when you are out or using a timer.

* Collect newspapers and mail.

* Get a dog: thieves hate them.

* On rural properties, or if you have front fences or gates, ensure they are locked while you are out/away.

* Don't leave things lying around in the garden where a passerby can see them and be tempted.

* Keep bicycles and other sporting equipment locked away out of sight.

* Ensure that garden sheds are securely locked.

* Actively participate in a Neighbourhood Watch scheme if one operates in your area.

* Immobilise trailers if they can't be locked away. Remove a wheel or the towing attachments.

Holiday fuel supplies

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:27:58 EST

The RACT is warning holidaying motorists not to take fuel availability for granted in the days ahead.

Over the next two weeks, fuel may be hard to obtain in some of Tasmania's more remote locations. "Ensure you have adequate fuel supplies to complete your journey," is the advice of Vince Taskunas, the RACT's General Manager - Public Policy and Communications.

"While the production disruption at the Caltex refinery in Queensland is not expected to affect Tasmanian supplies, it just goes to show that there can be external shocks to the supply system at any stage," Mr Taskunas said.

"Typically, even on Christmas Day, the RACT receives more than two dozen calls from members who run out of fuel, or are nearly out of fuel.

"With the relative fuel price relief we are experiencing at the moment, the RACT expects more Tasmanians to make journeys in their cars over the holiday break - so be prepared.

Many country fuel stops will close over the holiday break, and travellers should ensure they have enough fuel to complete their journey, without relying on small country locations being open to top them up.

In previous years, the experience of the RACT has been that it can be hard to get petrol outside the four major centres of Tasmania, and the East and WestCoasts can be particularly difficult locations for obtaining fuel.

Plan your journey ahead, to ensure you have enough fuel to reach your destination and get home if necessary, is the RACT's advice.

"If you have friends coming from interstate for a motoring holiday, warn them as well that fuel can be difficult to obtain at holiday times," Mr Taskunas said.

Fatigue: not unlike drunk driving

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:26:25 EST

Long working hours, Christmas festivities, and cheaper petrol will add up to a potentially dangerous cocktail on roads over the next week or two as Tasmanians prepare for their Christmas holiday break.

The RACT says that fatigue is one of the hidden dangers of motoring. A major contributor to the road toll is inattention, and the RACT believes fatigue is a big contributor to crashes which are the result of inattention.

In past years, the RACT has contributed $15,000 to a Road Safety Task Force campaign aimed at raising awareness of fatigue, and has also made presentations at workplace safety conferences on the dangers of fatigued workers.

"Christmas is a busy time for many families, with workplace deadlines, Christmas functions, and trips to the shack all occurring within a short space of time. This year, more people will be prepared to drive their cars further given the relative relief we're experiencing in petrol prices," said the RACT's Vince Taskunas, General Manager, Public Policy & Communications.

"We would urge both family members and work place managers to remind drivers of the accumulative effects of fatigue. Employers, employees and families all have roles to play in cutting the incidence of road crashes which involve fatigue".

Fatigue has a range of consequences, from momentary inattention, to day dreaming behind the wheel, and in the worst cases, drivers falling asleep while their vehicle is in motion.

"Drivers who have been awake for 17 hours are at twice the risk of a crash - the same as having .05% blood alcohol content (BAC). If you drive after being awake 24 hours, it is the same as having a blood alcohol reading of 0.1% BAC, and the likelihood of being involved in a crash is seven times higher than for a rested driver."

The RACT says to combat fatigue, drivers should employ the following strategies.

avoid accumulating a sleep debt
avoid driving at high risk times according to the human biological clock - between 3.00am and 5.00am, and between 3.00pm and 5.00pm
take regular breaks on a journey, and if feeling sleepy, take a 10 minute power nap at the side of the road.

If you may have symptoms of a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnoea, then consult a doctor.

Beware Christmas shopping traffic

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:49:02 EST

If pre Christmas shoppers are going to have a car crash, tomorrow (Saturday Dec 20) is the most likely day, according to statistics held by RACT Insurance. The statistics cover all types of crashes which involve an insurance claim.

For each of the last 10 years, the RACT Insurance statistics have pinpointed December 20 as been the worst day for crashes in the busy two week period leading up to Christmas, and last year (2007) was no exception.

Claims for crashes typically involve low speed impacts around shopping precincts and shopping centre car parks. "The message is that if you don't want to spoil your Christmas celebrations, be particularly alert while driving around shopping centres at this time of the year," said Ralph Doedens, Chief Executive of RACT Insurance.

RACT Insurance claims always spike in the month of December and then fall immediately after Christmas. Last December (2007), there was a slight reduction in claims compared to 2006 in northern Tasmania - down 19% - while claims in the south and the north west remained at average levels for the month.

State wide, in the two weeks leading up to Christmas last year, there was an average of 25 claims a day as opposed to 29 in 2006. After Christmas last year, the rate of claims dropped to 16 per day for the rest of December, the same as in 2006. Whatever figures are used, it means over 700 crashes occur each December amongst motorists insured by RACT Insurance.

"Our statistics show that the safest day to go shopping in December is Boxing Day and December 27, which perhaps suggests that post Christmas sales aren't just good for the wallet. They're good for motorists' nerves as well."

Dont push your luck at Christmas Parties

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:38:57 EST

With Christmas parties, office functions, and other social events now in full swing, the RACT is suggesting that party goers leave their car out of their transport equation.

Even with the best intentions, many people find themselves over the legal alcohol limit when they attend social gatherings.

And it's very easy to reach that limit, especially at this time of the year, says the RACT's Greg Goodman

"While a general rule is that to remain under the .05 limit women and men should restrict themselves to one standard drink per hour, it can be difficult to monitor your hourly intake of alcohol when you're at a party," Mr Goodman said.

"The rate at which you process alcohol varies based on a variety of factors which are unique to each individual. They include gender, height, weight, and even how fatigued you are. If you have to ask yourself 'can I have another drink and still drive?' then you're already playing a dangerous game.

"If you think you may drink too much to drive, then plan your transport ahead:

Organise a designated driver - and stick to that arrangement
Take a taxi or bus
Carpool - share a ride with others
Make arrangements to stay overnight with family or friends

Mr Goodman said he had heard recent reports of people driving home after drinking at functions because taxis had been difficult to find, especially late at night.

"We already know that taxis are much busier at this time of the year, and I'd urge the public to be patient and courteous - the taxi drivers are doing the best they can to cope with the high demand for their valuable services.

"It's worth the wait to avoid the consequences of driving after drinking too much: anything from loss of your licence and a court conviction to death or serious injury. And don't forget buses as part of your transport plan, too."

"Or 'crash' for the night, at a mate's place - not in your car, driving over the limit.

"If you know you are going to have a few drinks at a Christmas function - just leave your car out of the equation. Don't push your luck," Mr Goodman said.

RACT Board Election Outcome

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:34:45 EST

The recent Annual General Meeting of the RACT saw the re-election of four retiring directors.

Eight candidates contested the four vacant positions on the Board if the RACT.

However, the membership re-elected the four retiring directors - Bruce Clark of Burnie, and Peter Joyce, Christopher Langdon and Tony Stacey AM, of Hobart.

The RACT wishes to thank all candidates for their interest in standing for election.

Learners Get The keys2drive In Tasmania

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:54:48 EST

Tasmania is to pilot an innovative national learner driver program in the New Year.

keys2drive - a new program funded by the Federal Government and developed by the Australian Automobile Association and motoring clubs including the RACT - provides important learning and training for novice drivers, and importantly their supervising driver, under the guidance of a professional driving instructor.

The keys2drive program will be trialled in Tasmania from February to April next year, with a national roll out once the results of the pilot have been collated and assessed.

The program allows learner drivers to register on the innovative keys2drive website which comprises a range of information, education and driver training games, and to register for a free lesson with the supervising driver.

AAA Executive Director, Mike Harris, said the program is designed to help improve the safety of learners by providing increased training for them and also to provide some "hands on" training for the supervising driver, which in many cases is a parent.

"Learner drivers are the safest on the road, but the moment they get their P Plates and are no longer supervised - when they begin to drive solo - their risk jumps dramatically to the most high-risk of drivers," Mr Harris said.

"AAA and the motoring clubs believe that getting better on-road training and experience is an extremely important factor in reducing that risk associated with solo driving.

"That is what keys2drive aims to do by fostering the relationship between the learner and their supervising driver, under the guidance of a professional instructor and through a free lesson paid for by the Federal Government."

The Tasmanian trial is looking to recruit learners, their supervisors and instructors to assess the program. Interested parties, including the driving instructors, can pre-register for the pilot on the temporary keys2drive website at www.keys2drive.info

"This pilot is very important in terms of learning for all parties and Tasmania has played a large role in its development through the RACT and Tasmanian company Driver Safety Services," Mr Harris said.

"We look forward to seeing the pilot program get underway in early next year and will apply the results from the trial to the national roll out from mid-2009. We encourage interested drivers, supervisors and instructors to log on to the website and register."

New anti car theft campaign

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:47:40 EST

For the second time, Tasmania Police and RACT Insurance have teamed up through the Southern Regional Committee of Crime Stoppers to mount a previously successful campaign aimed at preventing car theft.

In 2003 the partnership initiated and implemented a simple but effective crime prevention project following a number of car thefts in Southern Tasmania at that time.

The focus of this project was a white diamond-shaped sticker with "25+" printed in red. Distributed throughout Tasmania to owners of motor vehicles who were over the age of 25, it gave patrolling on-duty police officers a useful reference point if the driver was under 25 years of age.

The sticker was placed on the front or rear windscreen, and police could intercept the vehicle if the driver was clearly under the age of 25; ascertain the age of the driver and the owner's details of that car, and confirm that the car was not stolen.

"Drivers and owners of many cars which were intercepted by police were reassured that police conducted checks each time they saw a car with a 25+ sticker clearly displayed and a young driver behind the wheel," said Senior Sergeant John McCormack

"Older owners were particularly enthusiastic about this project, and felt safer driving their cars in this State," Sergeant McCormack said

The program is about to be released for the second time in the community, to provide education, create awareness, and to encourage a pro-active approach to the prevention of car theft and car burglary throughout Tasmania.

"Our figures show that car theft is on the way down," said the Chief Executive of RACT Insurance, Ralph Doedens, for which the Police and the Theft Reduction Council can take much credit. "However, it is always an on-going issue, and much of the car theft we experience can be put down to young joy riders.

"We're very pleased to be part of this program so that we can continue to lessen the incidence of car theft in Tasmania," said Mr Doedens.

As part of the campaign, motorists will be encouraged to ensure that their cars are locked when unattended, especially in public places such as car parks and on the street, and that items such as cash, cameras, iPods, handbags, lap-top computers and other valuables are removed from the car when unattended. Owners of older cars are also encouraged to ensure they have immobilisers fitted to prevent theft.

The stickers have been provided by RACT Insurance and will be distributed through all RACT outlets and Major Police Stations in Tasmania.

Vehicle Safety Checks in time for Christmas:

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:24:57 EST

If you're intending to set off during the Christmas holiday period you should undertake essential car maintenance now.

Break down calls to the RACT increase markedly and often in remote rural areas over the Christmas/school holiday periods.

When you car spends most of the year undertaking short trips around town, its mechanical and electrical systems may not be in the best condition to handle a longer trip. Particularly in the summer heat, when the car is overloaded with camping and other equipment, or is towing a boat or caravan.

Before going on holiday you should have the following items checked on your car;

Cooling systems and hoses
Battery and charging system
All accessory drive belts
Oil and fluid levels
Tyre condition and pressure
Lights

To assist drivers against potential break downs the RACT will be conducting free safety and maintenance checks for all car owners, Today at Centro Kmart New Town from 11am to 2pm.

Pre-holiday maintenance checks are also available from the RACT Technical Service in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie.

ENDS

Coles Express and Caltex Woolworths: Fuel Prices?

Thu, 4 Dec 2008 14:33:36 EST

The RACT wants an explanation as to why Tasmanians are paying far more than their mainland counterparts at the Tasmanian fuel outlets operated by the supermarket chains.

RACT Group Chief Executive Greg Goodman said motorists in and around Hobart are paying up to 23 cents more per litre of unleaded fuel at Coles Express and Caltex/Woolworths outlets than Adelaide motorists at the same brand outlets, today (see attachment 1).

Motorists can buy unleaded fuel today for 95.9 cents per litre at a number of Coles and Woolworths outlets in Adelaide, 99.9 cpl in Sydney, and 100.9 cpl in Melbourne.

"The cheapest we can find around Hobart is 118.5 cpl. How is that these two companies can charge twenty cents a litre plus more, in Hobart? Our RACT members and the wider Tasmanian motoring public are quite simply being ripped off," Mr Goodman said.

"The RACT believes that freight costs can be equated to around 2 cents per litre extra into Tasmania - so where is the difference being made? Smaller volumes cannot explain this as there would have to be a national buying price arrangement for fuel.

"Tasmanian motorists need one of two things, immediately: either a full explanation as to why Tasmanian prices are being artificially held at such high levels, or an immediate cut in prices in the order of at least 10-15 cents, now.

"If these are the fuel prices that Tasmanian motorists are being forced to pay by the large supermarket chains in the lead-up to Christmas, then what prices will we have to pay around the traditional holiday travel period?" Mr Goodman said.

The RACT also expressed its strong concern over the disparity in prices for diesel, and the huge difference in LPG prices, with the average price today for gas in Melbourne almost thirty cents cheaper than Hobart.

"We believe a daily Fuel Check price monitoring system in Tasmania would lead to stronger local competition and better outcomes for consumers," Mr Goodman said.

ENDS

Storms: Tasmania's most exposed towns and suburbs

Mon, 8 Dec 2008 13:57:26 EST

RACT Insurance has released data underlining the increasing damages' bill caused by storms in Tasmania. The latest data also shows that damage can vary widely, even within postcodes, depending on the property's exposure to wind and rain.

Claims for damage caused by storms in the last four years have risen 46% compared to the previous four year average.

Southern Tasmania is the worst affected, accounting 60% of all storm claims, with the other 40% shared equally between northern and north western Tasmania.

When it comes to severe storm events - such as the near hurricane in April this year - southern Tasmania accounts for 70% of claims, while 22% of claims emanate from the north and 8% from the north west. Major incident claims cost 45% more on average than regular storm claims.

"It's fair to assume from these figures that southern Tasmania cops a fair battering from the elements," says the Chief Executive of RACT Insurance, Ralph Doedens.

Yet the RACT Insurance data shows that it's not just a case of some suburbs experiencing more storm damage than others. Damage can vary widely within suburbs.

Examples of suburbs in the same postcode with differing amounts of storm claims

7000: MountStuart has twice as many storm claims as West Hobart or North Hobart

7008: LenahValley has 50% more than New Town

7009: West Moonah is twice as bad as Moonah

7010: Montrose and Rosetta are twice as bad as Glenorchy

7011: Claremont has 80% more storm claims than Austins Ferry

Overall, RACT Insurance has noticed there are more claims in suburbs which are located on hills, particularly north facing suburbs along Hobart's western shore. Lower areas and more sheltered hillsides tend to have fewer claims. MountRumney and Midway Point are both areas which tend to be more exposed to storm damage.

Tasmanian Suburbs and towns with above average storm claims: Rosetta, MountStuart, Montrose, LenahValley, West Moonah, Midway Point, SandyBay, Claremont, Berriedale, Bellerive, Legana, Sandford, New Town, MountNelson.

Tasmanian Suburbs and towns with below average storm claims: Smithton, Brighton, Somerset, Wynyard, Youngtown, Somerset, Deloraine, Summerhill, South Launceston, Risdon Vale, New Norfolk, BlackmansBay, Bridgewater, Margate.

Fourteen major weather which have occurred since 2005 have involved claims worth nearly $8.1 million in total. In contrast, the nine years prior to 2005 only yielded weather related claims costing $2.0 million. "It confirms," said Mr Doedens, "that extreme weather events are on the increase."

The storm which struck Tasmania on April 2/3 this year was the most expensive in history, according to RACT Insurance claims. Some 1,400 claims for damage caused in the storm cost over $2 million. It wreaked much greater destruction across Tasmania than the previous record storm, which occurred in February 2005 and resulted in 1,049 claims totalling $1.75 million.

The big three car makes: Toyota rules in Tasmania

Mon, 8 Dec 2008 13:50:42 EST

Ford verus Holden: some people can be quite definite in terms of their preference. But what they overlook is that Toyota rules the roost in Tasmania.

RACT Insurance's vehicle portfolio shows that Toyota is the biggest brand on its books. RACT Insurance actually has 50% more Toyotas on its books than Fords or Holdens.

Toyotas predominate in the three regions of Tasmania, but when it comes to the classic Ford versus Holden rivalry, there are four percent more Holdens on the RACT Insurance register than Fords.

Holdens particularly outstrip Fords in the south of the State - by about eight percent. In the north west, there are slightly more Fords on the RACT Insurance books than Holdens, and in the North, there are slightly more Holdens than Ford makes. But both are outstripped by Toyotas.

Two percent of the Ford fleet are V8s, while four percent of the Holden fleet are V8s. Ford V8's are fairly evenly spread through the State, but in the Holden V8 category, there are three times as many in the north west as the south. Overall, V8 Holdens account for four percent of the Holden fleet, while V8 Fords account for two percent of the Ford fleet.

Some 29% percent of Fords and Holdens are V6, making up 31% of the Ford and Holden fleet in the north west, 30% of the Ford/Holden fleet the north, and 27% in the south.

It seems, says RACT Insurance, that from its figures, there's a tendency to prefer more powerful cars in the North West, whereas southern Tasmania is where you will find more four cylinder Fords and Holdens. Four cylinder cars make up 42% of the Ford/Holden fleet in the south, 34% in the north west, and 33% in the north.

The RACT Insurance figures also show that Holden owners are 11% more likely to have a claim than Ford or Toyota owners.

Toyota owners are particularly dominant in the Hobart suburbs of South Hobart, West Hobart, New Town, LenahValley, Kingston and Howrah.

While Toyota predominates overall, larger than average clusters of Fords can be found in Burnie, Wynyard, Newnham, Latrobe and Somerset; while larger than average numbers of Holdens can be found in areas such as Hobart's eastern shore, Claremont, Brighton, Launceston, Moonah, Smithton, New Norfolk and Prospect.

Overall the most common models in the RACT Insurance portfolio are the Holden Commodore, followed closely by the Toyota Corolla, and then Ford Falcon, with Toyota Camrys making up the top four.

On average, the Big Three model with the least amount of claims is the Holden Rodeo with 32% less claims than average. The most claims are made by drivers of Holden Commodores with 17% more claims than average, followed by Holden Astras, Toyota Camrys and Ford Falcons.

BARINA BOUNCES BACK WITH A 4-STAR SAFETY RATING

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 14:20:20 EST

The Holden Barina has bounced back from a poor 2-star safety rating to achieve 4-stars under the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), Australia's leading consumer vehicle safety advocate,

In 2006, there was widespread criticism of the Korean-built Barina following a 2-star ANCAP rating. The previous model Barina, sourced from Europe and tested by ANCAP in 2001, had achieved 4 stars.

The RACT is one of the financial contributors to the long running ANCAP program. Darren Moody, General Manager of Roadside and Technical Services at the RACT, said the bounce back by the Barina was very welcome. He said the newly tested Barina had upgraded safety features and the structural performance had also improved.

"It's good to see a much better safety result for the Barina following the latest ANCAP tests. The previous 2-star result was disappointing, and probably affected market sales of what had been a popular small car," Mr Moody said.

"Holden has been keen to improve the Barina's safety performance and ANCAP representatives met with the car's designers in Korea earlier this year. Holden has put effort into improving the passenger compartment's structure and reducing the risk of knee injury.

"The company has also made head-protecting side airbags standard and added a driver seat belt reminder. These improvements have contributed to the Barina 3-door hatch reaching a 4-star rating."

The Barina now joins a range of other 4-star vehicles in its small-car class. Consumers can refer to the results section on ANCAP's website for further information, and for a full list of ANCAP's vehicle safety ratings, including more commercial vehicles, and other vehicle safety information. Go to www.ancap.com.au

Accidents don't all happen on the road

Mon, 8 Dec 2008 13:52:22 EST

If you think the dangers of motoring are all out on the road, think again. RACT Insurance says that about 15% of the motor vehicle claims it receives involve incidents which occurred while entering or exiting a drive way.

The Chief Executive of RACT Insurance, Ralph Doedens, says the statistic is a reminder that motorists need to be on full alert the moment they get behind the wheel.

Analysis of RACT Insurance claims shows that about 65% of drive way claims occur as a result of reversing. "Some people can find reversing a fairly difficult manoeuvre. It exercises the brain a bit more, and can be physically uncomfortable for some."

Mr Doedens said drivers should never rely entirely on their side and rear view mirrors when reversing. "There are blind spots which you will only see when you physically look behind you as you reverse," he said.

Typically, claims for damage incurred while reversing cover matters such as hitting other vehicles, scraping into fences and driveway gates, or hitting other cars in the street when reversing out of the driveway.

"We also receive regular claims from motorists who were hit from behind when they slowed on the road to pull into their driveway. Either they forgot to put on an indicator, or the following driver was inattentive."

The most common causes for driveway claims to RACT Insurance include:

Hand brakes not applied properly, and the parked car rolls into trees or houses
Drivers hitting the accelerator too hard in restricted driveway space. Usually it turns out they were trying to apply braking pressure, but trod on the accelerator instead.
Forgetting to select reverse when backing out of a driveway, and shunting forwards instead
Gates or other items banging against cars in the driveway, often due to Tasmania's frequently windy weather
Cars running into gates, fences, poles, letterboxes, garbage bins, or other parked cars in the drive, or on the street, when entering or exiting driveways
Running into moving cars in the street when pulling out of a driveway
Being hit by another car when slowing down to turn into a driveway
People forgetting that a door is open when they reverse out of the garage or car port, and mangling the open door against a wall or stanchion.
Drivers being distracted by pets running about in the garden/driveway area, and momentarily taking their eye off the job at hand.

"Luckily, incidents in drive ways almost always occur at low speed, so that there is a lower risk of injury. However, the drive way is a restricted space in which to manoeuvre a car, and close attention needs to be applied," said Mr Doedens.

Keep cats out of the house and dogs out of the car

Mon, 8 Dec 2008 13:54:41 EST

Dogs versus cats. Pet owners can be fiercely parochial. But RACT Insurance has delved into its records to find what makes the more accident prone pet and has come up with ammunition for both sides of the argument.

Dogs, for instance, are more gastronomically adventurous, and are likely to try eating your ipod, spectacles, or hearing aid; while cats reach places dogs can't go, and knock over the expensive porcelain on the top shelf of your cabinet.

Key findings from the RACT Insurance research are that:

Over the course of a year, RACT Insurance will receive about 100 claims for damage caused by cats and dogs, either around the house or on the road

Claims are evenly split between dogs and cats, with about 45% of claims for damage in and around the home, and 55% of claims for damage caused out on the road.

When cats knock something over around the home, the resulting insurance claim can be almost 10% higher than when dogs knock something over.

RACT Insurance receives very few claims for cat damage to cars. But bored dogs left in a car often find solace from chewing the seats, and jumping about inside the vehicle, scratching trim.

Ralph Doedens, Chief Executive of RACT Insurance and the owner of a large dog and what he describes as a "sneaky" cat, says dogs are more literally down to earth. "Dogs can wag their tail and knock over the coffee on the coffee table, but cats can reach higher, where the precious china and crystal wine glasses tend to be stored."

Cats also tend to knock things onto or into heaters more often than dogs, according to the RACT Insurance data. "Cats believe they have a God-given right to occupy all the territory surrounding a radiant source, and are therefore more likely to be the culprit in heater-related incident."

Household claims: misbehaving dogs and cats

The main causes of claims in the home according to RACT Insurance claims data:

animals knocking over breakable items or knocking things onto heaters
neighbouring cats entering the house through cat/dog doors and getting up to no good
people tripping over animals and breaking household items in their fall
dogs making a meal of small items such as hearing aids, ipods, spectacles or keys

On the road

Out on the road, it seems drivers will do anything to avoid hitting a cat, even at personal risk to themselves and other road users. The costs of on-road claims for cats are actually 46% more than those for dogs, and typically involve swerving to avoid a cat followed by a collision with a roadside obstacle, or another car.

Cats and dogs: the main causes of claims involving vehicles

Vehicles hitting animals on roads, or swerving to avoid an animal and hitting something at the side of the road.

Secondary crashes. Someone brakes or stops for a dog or cat on the road, and is rear-ended by another vehicle

Dogs and cats running about in the garden, or otherwise causing a distraction when people are trying to enter or leave their carports/garages.

New roadside service for Tasmanian Cyclists

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 10:29:40 EST

The RACT is introducing a new breakdown service - for cyclists.

RACT Group Chief Executive Greg Goodman says the new service - Bike Assist - recognises the growing popularity of bicycles in Tasmania's mix of commuting and leisure activities.

"More and more Tasmanians are using bicycles for commuting, family leisure, and exercise. It's a trend the RACT wants to encourage and support, especially given the health and environmental benefits associated with cycling," Mr Goodman said.

Bike Assist will be offered as a complimentary benefit to all existing and new RACT Roadside Ultimate members. More than 41,000 Tasmanians have Ultimate cover.

Bike Assist will provide help in the event that a bicycle cannot be ridden due to a crash, minor mechanical problem, or puncture.

"If the RACT cannot fix the problem at the roadside, we will send a taxi to transport yourself and your bicycle to your chosen destination.

Ultimate cover is the premium form of RACT membership, providing comprehensive mobility support for members who suffer mechanical breakdowns both in Tasmania, and interstate.

"Bike Assist will give members with Ultimate cover peace of mind, and more choices when making decisions about travel and destination," Mr Goodman said.

In implementing the new Bike Assist service, the RACT will draw on its expertise in providing roadside breakdown service to motorists. Established in 1923, the RACT's breakdown service last year assisted 78,000 stranded motorists.

For further information: Contact Group Chief Executive Greg Goodman on 0419 122 061.

Where not to buy petrol

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 10:26:51 EST

The RACT's latest petrol price monitoring (conducted Thursday August 28) again shows the best competition, and the greatest range of choice for motorists in Tasmania, exists on Hobart's Eastern Shore.

Why is it, asks the RACT, that a motorist can pay 139.7 cents per litre for unleaded on Hobart's Eastern Shore, but can't buy petrol for less than 154.7 cents per litre in the central Hobart area - less than ten kilometers apart?

"A week out from the Premier's petrol summit, and Tasmanian motorists are still paying far too much," says the RACT's Vince Taskunas.

The RACT advises motorists to avoid refueling in Hobart's southern suburbs, where prices appear to be stuck on a generally uniform 158.9cpl - the same price as was observed two weeks ago.

"In the last two weeks, we have seen maximum prices creep up in Launceston, little change in Burnie, a decrease in the lowest prices available in Hobart's northern suburbs (where competition seems strong also), and a slight decrease in the lowest prices available in Devonport.

"It's a mixed bag, so we recommend that motorists shop around. Certainly in Hobart, try to avoid refueling in the southern suburbs, and if you can, refuel on the Eastern Shore for the best prices. "

Unleaded petrol price ranges at August 28

Hobart central area 154.7cpl - 157.9cpl 154.9 - 161.9 two weeks ago

Hobart northern suburbs 146.5cpl - 159.9cpl 151.5 -159.9 two weeks ago

Hobart eastern Shore 139.7cpl - 156.9cpl 143.7- 155.9 two weeks ago

Hobart southern suburbs, all four outlets 158.9cpl 158.9 two weeks ago

Launceston 156.7cpl - 161.9cpl 156.7 - 158.9 two weeks ago

Devonport 153.3cpl - 156.9cpl 153.5 - 157.9 two weeks ago

Burnie 153.5cpl - 157.9cpl 153.5 - 157.9 two weeks ago

For further information: Vince Taskunas RACT General Manager Public Policy and Communications 0417 005 647

Diesel and petrol prices

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 10:25:37 EST

Hobart tops the price ladder across Australia

RACT analysis of average fuel prices in Australia's capital cities has confirmed that Tasmanians have been paying too much. In fact, Hobart's petrol prices have consistently outstripped every other state capital throughout this year.

For the period January 2008-July 2008, the difference between Hobart and Melbourne average metro for unleaded was 7 cents per litre higher in Hobart, using data supplied by FuelTrac Pty Ltd, says the RACT's public policy general manager, Vince Taskunas.

"Based on a tank fill of 50 litres, once per week, that equates to an average penalty of $3.50 per week or $105.00 during those thirty weeks," he said.

And diesel was even worse. For the period January 2008 - July 2008, the difference between Hobart and Melbourne average prices for diesel showed that filling up in Hobart cost 8.2 cents per litre more than in Melbourne.

"That's an average added penalty of $4.10 per week or $123.00 during those thirty weeks, for people in Hobart using diesel," said Mr Taskunas.

Only in June was there a closing of the gap, when Hobart prices averaged 6cpl more than Melbourne. (160.7cpl in Melbourne compared to 166.7cpl in Hobart). In July, the difference had ballooned out to nearly 9 cents in favour of Melbourne.

"Such a difference cannot be explained by freight costs," Mr Taskunas said.

Average retail prices diesel and petrol

Melbourne versus Hobart (source FuelTracPty Ltd)

City	May 08	June 08	July 08
Hobart petrol	155.4	166.7	170.1
Melbourne petrol	145.3	160.7	161.4
Hobart diesel	179.1	187.6	189.6
Melbourne diesel	169.8	180.4	183.9

The RACT's latest petrol price monitoring, conducted around Tasmania yesterday, is now posted at www.ract.com.au

For further information Vince Taskunas 0417 005 647

Tasmanian diesel prices: Time for relief

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 10:22:42 EST

The price of petrol in Tasmania remains generally too high in some metro areas, although discounting is occurring in other areas, according to the RACT's latest price monitoring, conducted yesterday (August 14). The big concern however, is diesel, where retail prices remain stubbornly high.

Around the state, diesel users are still being asked to pay anything from 172.9cpl to 186.9cpl, although Singapore prices have been dropping considerably.

"In fact, diesel prices have been enjoying a stronger downward trend than petrol prices on the Singapore market in recent weeks," said Vince Taskunas, the RACT's General Manager - Public Policy and Communications.

"While the public focus remains on the of price petrol, the RACT has fielded a number of phone calls in the last week or two from people who bought a diesel vehicle because they believed they would save on fuel," Mr Taskunas said.

"We've seen some 10 cents shaved off the average wholesale price of diesel shipped from Singapore since the end of July. Diesel prices need to drop."

According to the latest RACT monitoring, Sorell has the cheapest diesel in Tasmania. Launceston provides a wide price range for diesel, of between 174.9cpl and 184.9cpl, but still has stubbornly high unleaded prices. On the North-WestCoast, unleaded is on average cheaper than Launceston.

In Hobart, motorists will pay a little less for diesel on the Eastern Shore, but diesel prices are generally higher in Hobart and its northern suburbs, and the highest in the southern suburbs.

In fact, Kingston and New Norfolk remain the least competitive regions to buy fuel. The RACT's price monitoring shows that Kingston petrol stations generally have an across-the-board unleaded price of 158.9 cpl, with New Norfolk similar.

"People in the southern suburbs of Hobart can do better if they fill up elsewhere around Hobart, especially on the Eastern Shore where some unleaded price boards have dropped a further 2 cents overnight to 141.7 cpl," said Mr Taskunas.

"Motorists in and around Hobart could pay anything from 141.7cpl to 161.9cpl. Variations are not so wide in Launceston, Devonport and Burnie.

"Hobart's Eastern Shore remains the hot spot for discount petrol and diesel prices in the State at the moment," Mr Taskunas said.

Unleaded petrol price ranges at August 14

Hobart central area 154.9cpl - 161.9 cpl

Hobart northern suburbs 151.5cpl - 159.9 cpl

Hobart eastern shore 141.7cpl - 155.9cpl

Kingston 158.9cpl across the board - flat for two weeks

Launceston 156.7cpl - 158.9cpl

Devonport 153.5cpl - 157.9cpl

Burnie 153.5cpl - 157.9cpl

(For more information see www.ract.com.au and click on "Fuel Price Updates")

For further information: Mr Taskunas on 0417 005 647

Figure 1

[Source: FuelTrac Ltd Import Parity Indicator Price report, wholesale landed refined product price, converted to cents-per-litre, for refined product ex-Singapore, seven-day-previous rolling average, 28 day period to current.]

Comment: Wholesale price of diesel (green) continues to trend downwards since around July 27. The latest seven-day rolling average for diesel suggests the wholesale price in Tasmania should be around $1.63

RACT to give evidence to Senate Fuel Watch inquiry

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 10:16:39 EST

The RACT will give evidence about high Tasmanian fuel prices next week to the Senate Committee looking at the proposed Federal Fuel Watch scheme.

The Senate Standing Committee on Economics was due to meet in Hobart today to inquire into the provisions of the National Fuelwatch (Empowering Consumers) Bill 2008, and the RACT was scheduled to give evidence at 11.00am.

However, the Committee cancelled its trip because of the lack of other parties prepared to appear before it in Hobart.

"The RACT is surprised and disappointed at the lack of interest shown by government, consumer and industry organisations in Tasmania, given the overly high prices Tasmanians are paying for petrol and diesel at the moment," said the RACT's public policy general manager, Vince Taskunas.

"Our own weekly petrol price monitoring, conducted just yesterday on one hundred sites Tasmania-wide, again shows that as international oil prices come down, Tasmanian motorists are continuing to pay too much at the bowser, especially in comparison to mainland prices (see ** below)," he said.

"Depending on where they are in the state, they could still be paying nearly $1.63 for unleaded and nearly $1.90 for diesel - in metro areas! So that Tasmanians know how to save as much as possible, they need a daily monitoring program."

The RACT will tell the Senate Standing Committee in Canberra next week that it has long supported a Western Australian-style daily Fuel Watch system in an attempt to provide reliable price information to Tasmanian motorists, and that the Club has previously offered to host such a monitoring system on its website.

"If it takes a national Fuel Watch program to achieve this then we will accept that, so long as it is implemented right across Tasmania, and not just in the major metropolitan centres of the nation. Any system inferior in scope to the monitoring we already undertake would be unacceptable," Mr Taskunas said.

"If a truly national scheme does not appear out of Canberra in the months ahead, then the RACT is looking to a commitment from the State Government to support us in our work so that our current weekly monitoring can become daily. We believe that ideally, this should be happening now."

Mr Taskunas said it was a matter of regret that fuel industry representatives and other associated groups hadn't bothered to accept the Committee's invitation to appear in Hobart today.

"Our members want to understand better how the prices in Tasmania can be so much higher than - more than ten cents higher per litre for diesel - in other metro centres in Australia, and any public evidence at the Committee hearing in Hobart would have been helpful. Unfortunately, it appears that stubbornly high prices are the only answer we're left with," Mr Taskunas said.

Media enquiries: Vince Taskunas General Manager Public Policy 0417 005 647

First locally made 5-star car

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 10:17:21 EST

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has reached a mile stone, with the first five star safety rating for a locally made vehicle.

The RACT, a long time member and contributor to the program, which crash tests new vehicles to determine occupant safety, says the five star maximum safety rating has been awarded to the Ford Falcon FG sedan.

"It's the first time a locally made vehicle has received a maximum safety rating, and means that Ford Falcon is the leader in terms of safety for large Australian made family cars," said the RACT's General Manager, Roadside and Technical Services, Darren Moody.

The Falcon was awarded the 5-star rating following a series of crash tests conducted by ANCAP. "It means that locally made, popular, family sedans are beginning to match many imported cars in terms of safety, and it represents a real achievement for Ford in Australia," said Mr Moody.

There are now high expectations at ANCAP and among motoring clubs that Ford Falcon's five star rating will encourage other manufacturers to build 5 star cars.

The Falcon scored well in the frontal offset, side impact and optional pole tests, providing strong protection for the vehicle occupants. The vehicle tested was a base model Falcon XT which has dual front airbags and front-seat head-protecting side airbags and electronic stability control (ESC) as standard. ESC is a requirement for a five star rating.

All FG Falcon sedans, with the exception of the LPG fuelled model, have been awarded a 5 star rating. The LPG model (which does not have ESC) scores 4 stars.

Unfortunately, pedestrians do not fare as well with the Falcon sedan earning 2 stars out of 4. While this is an improvement on the previous Falcon, there is still room for improving pedestrian protection, ANCAP found.

ANCAP crash tests new vehicles, awards them a star rating for safety, and publicises the results to the motoring public. ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, Australian state governments, the New Zealand government, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, the Insurance Australia Group, and the FIA Foundation.

For a full list of ANCAP's vehicle safety ratings and other vehicle safety information, go to www.ancap.com.au

For further information, Darren Moody on 0419 893 900