This week the Transport Accident Commission launched a month-long campaign to mark the 40-year-anniversary since Victoria became the first jurisdiction in the world to introduce compulsory seat belts. Since the introduction in 1970, the road toll has reduced dramatically from over 1,000 deaths annually to less than 300 last year. However, there are still far too many people, and in particular young men, dying on our roads every year.

This week also marks the launch of Tim Pegler’s outstanding YA novel, Five Parts Dead. Tim deals frankly with the issue of teen deaths in cars and the trauma that is left behind. This gripping story is a must-read for all teenagers about to sit behind the wheel, and for the parents who are about to hand over the keys.

Five Parts Dead will be launched by Sally Rippin at The Little Bookroom in Carlton North on Saturday 21 August. Proceedings will begin at 4pm. Come along and help send this important, highly readable novel into the world.

Please email Stephanie Stepan for more details or to RSVP.