TAC: Driver distraction is no laughing matter

The Victorian leg of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is visiting 29 towns across the region between April and July, and we're proud to be joined by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), bringing the Look Up before the show is over message from the city activation out to the regions.

Keep an eye out for an interactive road safety light box mural – our “Find Freddie” challenge – designed to demonstrate just how easy it is to miss critical details when attention is diverted to a phone. In-venue posters, decals and QR codes will invite you to take a short road safety survey and learn more about the dangers of distraction behind the wheel.

Regional town centres are among Victoria's busiest shared spaces. Drivers, pedestrians and cyclists all moving in close proximity. The TAC is reminding everyone to stay alert and avoid distractions, whether you're behind the wheel, crossing the street, or navigating a crowded footpath after the show. While we're here to make you laugh, we also want to make sure you get home safely. Put the phone away, stay alert, and look out for each other out there.

The TAC and Festival have also collaborated to create the three episode Moments Matter online series: When you’re driving at 50km/hr, a 2 second glance at your phone means you will travel 28 metres 'blind’. Moments Matter, don't take that chance. The content pieces will roll out across regional Victoria throughout the Roadshow.

TAC Head of Community, Hannah Meredith

'As the Comedy Festival Roadshow travels across regional Victoria, we are reminding locals to look up, stay focused and be present when they are on or near the road.

'Regional Victorians face challenges such as higher travel speeds, longer distances and more complex road environments. These factors mean that when crashes occur, the consequences can be severe.'

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Executive Director, Dylan Cole

'We are proud to bring the Comedy Festival Roadshow to communities right across regional Victoria, and to continue our partnership with the TAC.

'The Roadshow is all about connecting with local audiences, and this partnership helps us share an important message while we do it.

'Messaging will also be pushed out across the state via an online content series, highlighting the messaging ‘a lot can happen in two seconds’, involving comedians from the Roadshow, and encouraging Victorians to go phone free on our roads.'