Safer vehicle choices to save more lives

And, the risk of a fatality in a vehicle 15 years or older is four times greater than in a car less than five years old, according to ANCAP.

Now, a new campaign from the NSW Government, in partnership with ANCAP and the NRMA, is asking Aussies to put safety at the top of car buyer’s shopping lists.

The ‘Safer Vehicle Choices Save Lives’ campaign shows two Toyota Corollas in a head-on crash - one is a 1998 model, and the other is a 2015 model - displaying the difference between how newer and older cars stand up in an accident, urging people to consider safer options.

ANCAP says nearly 80 per cent of young drivers aged under 20 who died, and 71 per cent of those seriously injured in car crashes in the past five years were driving cars older than 10 years old. And, around 45 per cent of those who died were driving vehicles at least 15 years old.

The ads specifically target younger people that find older cars attractive, as well as older people who tend to keep their vehicles longer, according to NRMA spokeswoman Melanie Kansil.

“They are two groups that we need to work hard to protect on our roads,” she says.

“Encouraging these and all other road users to buy a car with a five star ANCAP safety rating, as well as reminding people of the importance of regular servicing is key to helping save lives.”

Minister for Roads Maritime and Freight, Melinda Pavey, launched the campaign, in partnership with ANCAP and the NRMA, encourage people to put safety, not looks, first when choosing a new car.

“Most road safety campaigns have focused on behavioural factors such as speed, fatigue, drink driving and seatbelt use. While they remain vital, this campaign highlights the importance of choosing a safer vehicle,” says Mrs Pavey.