Jack’s story: more than a statistic
On Boxing Day 2016, the 283rd life lost on Victorian roads that year was recorded. A fuel tanker ran a stop sign, colliding with a utility vehicle. The innocent driver of that vehicle was my 27-year-old son, Jackson.
Jack was the absolute world to me, his brother Darcy, and his sisters Naomi, Leah, his twin and Mackenzie. He now has four nieces, Lucy, Bonnie, Stella, and Mia, who will grow up hearing stories of their uncle but never getting to experience his love and laughter firsthand. Jack is still so very loved and missed by so many. He is so much more than a news report, a statistic, or ‘283’.
Remembering Jack: a larrikin with a big heart
Jack was loud, an absolute character—a larrikin. He had a raucous laugh and would barrel into a room like a hurricane. Due to his dyslexia, reading his texts was like deciphering the Da Vinci Code. What we would give to hear his laugh or struggle through one of his texts again. Or to hear him say, “What’s for dinner, old lady?” just one more time.
Jack was on his way to his first home when the preventable crash occurred. Nine days later, we brought him home again this time in a coffin.
The reality of road trauma: imagine if it was your family
I ask you to imagine what it would feel like if this was your family. What would your story be?
If the complacency around the road trauma does not change, it is not a matter of if but when. The belief that “It won’t happen to me” simply does not hold up. Nor does calling it an accident.
Accident implies an excuse. These are preventable crashes, taking lives that should not be lost. Jack is no less gone, and our trauma is no less real by calling it an accident. No one means to hurt another, but saying “I didn’t mean it” does nothing to comfort a family identifying their loved one in the morgue.
Time for action: we can make a difference
It is time for action. Time to say we will not accept the amount of road trauma. Time to take responsibility and pride in our driving. It is never too late to change.
The Shine a Light on Road Safety campaign is an integral part of the path toward a safer driving community, one we can all be part of and proud of. It is a vital day of awareness, recognition, and the need for change.
2024 Shine a Light on Road Safety ambassador
In 2024, Gerardine was our Shine a Light on Road Safety ambassador. Shine a Light on Road Safety is deeply important to her, and her courage in sharing Jack’s story has been a powerful reminder of the real impact of road trauma. Amber Community is incredibly grateful to Gerardine for speaking out and raising awareness about the devastating consequences of road crashes. Her voice is a vital part of the push for change.
Let’s work together to take a positive stance on road safety. Let’s make a commitment to safer driving so everyone can return home.
