George Greaves has a clear message for young motorists: one bad decision could cost you your life.
The Melton resident has lived through the devastation of losing a loved one to road trauma and says it is something you never learn to live with.
In 1995, Mr Greaves’ younger brother Craig was killed in a car accident in which he was the driver. Speed and alcohol were involved.
Almost two decades on, Mr Greaves has become a spokesman for safe driving, talking to youngsters and their families at schools and forums across Melbourne in the hope something positive will come from his brother’s death.
Tomorrow night Mr Greaves will be guest speaker at a Road Safety Forum in Melton. His strongest message to drivers will be to make the right decision every time they get into a car because, ultimately, their decision will not only affect them.
“Road trauma affects lots of people in lots of different ways,” Mr Greaves said.
“My parents lost a son; they were too young to lose a son, my grandparents were too young to lose a grandchild. It [road trauma] affects everyone, aunts, uncles, family and friends. We were all too young to lose him.
“People have choices, we can choose to do the right thing on the road or we can choose to do the wrong thing.”
Melton’s Inspector Stephen Mutton said tomorrow night’s forum was about showing young drivers, particularly those who are newly licensed, that road safety is critical.
“We hope the forum will encourage young drivers to think about the consequences of their actions behind the wheel,” Inspector Mutton said.
“We hope our speakers can educate those who are new to our roads about the devastating consequences road trauma can have on the whole community and encourage them to stop and think about their behaviour when on the road.”
Melton councillor and road safety advocate Sophie Ramsey urged parents and teenagers to attend the forum.
“Being safe on our roads is paramount. Like I’ve always said, a licence is a right not a privilege.”
Six free driving lessons will be given away during the night.
The Community Road Safety Forum is from 7-9pm, Wednesday, May 7 at the Melton library, 31 McKenzie Street, Melton.
