Speed Attitudes Slow to Change

29 Mar 2011

MEDIA RELEASE: 29 March 2011

Despite 10 people dying on the state's roads over the past two weekends, a large proportion of Victorians still think it’s OK to speed.

The latest Transport Accident Commission (TAC) research findings released today show that 39 per cent of people think exceeding the speed limit by 5 km/h in a 100 km/h zone is acceptable.

In addition, 21 per cent think going 5 km/h over the limit in a 60 km/h zone is OK, and 90 per cent of motorists surveyed feel it is OK to drive at least 1 km/h over the limit.

The findings come from the latest TAC Road Safety Monitor survey which provides an insight into the attitudes of Victorian drivers licence holders. The survey was completed in November last year.

More than half of all respondents admitted to being likely to speed at least sometimes in 100 km/h zones.

Regional and male motorists appear to be even more relaxed about speed limits, with both demographics showing higher incidences of speeding.

Despite the survey showing there has been an increase in recognition that the risk of getting caught speeding is high, TAC Head of Community Relations, Phil Reed, said there was still a need for educating the community on speed limits.

“Unless we change attitudes to speed there are around 250 Victorians alive today who will be dead by Christmas,” Mr Reed said.

"If everyone slowed down there is no reason why our road toll couldn't be cut by one third."

The TAC estimates that 30 per cent of all road deaths and serious injuries can be attributed to speed, costing the Victorian community about $1 billion each year.

"Despite the road toll being down on last year’s, we have had a shocking two weekends on the roads with 10 people dying and even more being seriously injured in horrific collisions – some of them speed related."

"These accidents should serve as a reminder to all Victorians that taking the risk and creeping over the speed limit can be deadly."

Mr Reed said the TAC is tackling speed by combining education and enforcement campaigns.

"We will continue funding police operations targeting speed, as well as advertising and marketing campaigns, such as the Ripple Effect and Rename Speed campaigns, to change people's attitudes," he said.

"The sooner everyone believes that speeding can be deadly, the safer our roads will be."

For more information contact Sarah Henderson on 0429 294 262