Citizens Against Road Slaughter

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Citizens Against Road Slaughter - CARS - a road victim support group, was founded by Phyl den Ronden in Brisbane in July 1984.

Unlike groups elsewhere, CARS decided it would not confine itself just to drunk driving, but would concern itself with all factors that led to road trauma. It was a pioneer in victim support in Australia, and until the advent of other groups established to address their needs, was sometimes sought out for help by relatives of murder victims as well as persons in other States.

Random Breath Testing had previously been introduced in Victoria due to the influence of the College of Surgeons, who had their national headquarters there, but in Queensland it was the pressure exerted by CARS that got this major life-saving measure introduced in that State.

Amongst other things, CARS took its display of a mock graveyard to various centres in the South-East corner of the state to raise awareness of the issue. Lobbying for improvements for the rights of victims became incidental as a pro-active component of its activities, but it has subsequently focused towards its original aims. CARS has also provided free emergency accommodation at its premises, “Irene House”, for family members who travel to Brisbane with an injured relative during the time they need to stay close to the patient, or for attendance at related court cases. More information can be found at its website at http://www.cars.asn.au