It would be hard pressed to find anyone who hasn’t either been directly or at least known of someone who has been impacted by a road tragedy. On a daily basis, a large majority of us put our lives in ours and others hands as we step into cars and venture onto the road. We trust ourselves and those around us, however time after time we see instances where things simply go wrong. In many cases, these tragic events could have been simply avoided, which further adds to the anguish felt by those who are left behind.

John Maher’s experiences with road tragedy are not unique, however his story is. In fact, it’s Carmen’s story, his daughter who was killed in a car accident, November 1995. John travels across the state of Victoria and various parts of the country speaking to high school students and businesses to tell Carmen’s story and spread the important message of road safety.

Many of us here in Australia during the 90s were exposed to shock and scare tactics via graphic content featured on television campaigns and police visits at school. Whilst it didn’t beat around the bush, it left many feeling disconnected and thinking that it couldn’t possibly happen to them. Carmen’s story is all about perspective. It’s about finding responsibility in yourself and those around you, as a road tragedy doesn’t only affect the person in the accident, but everybody who is left behind.

I hope you take something from this chat with John. Whether it be some more awareness of your own driving, or simply showing more appreciation for those close to you. I would also ask for you to reach out to John and let him know your thoughts, and even more so if you’re able to help spread his important message to others.

Show Notes

John Maher’s website here.
Carmen’s Road Safety Facebook page. Please support John’s message by liking it.
Listen to John on ABC radio here.
Victoria Road Death Annual Tolls here.
Article – Crash victim shares road safety message with students.
Article – Father shares tragic car crash story to save lives.