New data reveals attitudes towards safe driving

Published date: 11 Aug 2022

The Victorian Government is urging Victorian motorists to consider the cost of speeding, as new research reveals an increase in the number of people who ignore the risks.

Findings from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) annual Road Safety Monitor Report, which surveys more than 2,500 Victorians on their road safety behaviours and attitudes, has revealed the highest incidence of self-reported intentional speeding since 2016.

The results showed an increase in respondents admitted to intentionally speeding in 60km/h zones (42 per cent versus 39 per cent in 2020) or 100km/h zones (45 per cent versus 40 per cent in 2020).

The report also uncovered that people viewed speeding as less dangerous than most other high-risk driving behaviours, such as drink driving and driving while using a mobile device.

Speed remains a key factor in Victorian road trauma – contributing to around 30 per cent of deaths each year, and 25 per cent of serious injuries.

The findings come as the TAC launches the second wave of an advertising campaign targeting risk-taking behaviours, like speeding, in a bid to reduce the number of people being killed and seriously injured on our roads and to support Victoria Police’s enforcement efforts.

Sadly, so far this year, 147 people have been killed on Victoria’s roads, compared to 130 at the same time last year.

The campaign aims to deter road users from engaging in unsafe behaviours and remind people that if they take risks on the road, they will get caught – Anywhere. Anytime. Anyone.

The widespread campaign will appear on billboards, radio and digital platforms across the state, and will be expanded later this year.

Other key findings revealed in this year’s 2021 TAC Road Safety Monitor, include:

45 per cent admitted to driving while feeling drowsy – an increase from 2020 (38 per cent)
29 per cent had used their phone illegally while driving in the preceding three months – however, this has declined substantially from 37 per cent in 2016
24 per cent drove between the hours of 10pm-6am at least twice a week – an increase on 2020 (20 per cent)
4 per cent had driven when they knew or thought they were over the legal blood alcohol limit – consistent with previous years, continuing a downward trend year-on-year.

The full survey results can be found on the TAC website.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll

“We know the majority of Victorians do the right thing, but it is unacceptable that there are still a small number of people who willingly put themselves and others at risk.”

“It is deeply concerning to see so many lives being lost on our roads, and we can’t sit by and accept it – we are pleading with anyone thinking of partaking in risk-taking behaviour to heed the warning and slow down.”

Quotes attributable to Transport Accident Commission CEO Joe Calafiore

“Our research shows us that attitudes to road safety have improved over the years, but it is concerning that an increasing proportion of motorists still value saving a few minutes over their lives and the lives of others.”

“If you think going just a little bit over the speed limit is safe – think again. The evidence is clear that even small increases in speed can make a big difference in how seriously we are injured in a crash, or whether we survive at all.”