Latest TAC data finds over-confidence can lead to speeding

16 Aug 2013

New Transport Accident Commission (TAC) research has revealed that over confident road users are more likely to speed.
The results are revealed in the TAC’s latest Road Safety Monitor, tracking road user attitudes of more than 1,300 drivers and riders across Victoria.

The survey has found that the more confidence a road user has in their driving ability, the more likely they are to take unnecessary risks on the roads, especially speeding.

When asked how they rate in comparison to other road users, 65 per cent assessed themselves as better than average, and were significantly more likely to: be males (72 per cent of males rate themselves as better than average, compared with 58 per cent of females); be metropolitan drivers or riders (72 per cent versus 62 per cent in regional Victoria); and be aged 26-39 (73 per cent of people in this age group rate themselves better than average compared with 57 per cent of 18-25 year-olds).

Those who rated themselves as better than average were also significantly less likely to agree: that speeding increased their chances of crashing (82 per cent compared to 87 per cent of drivers who rated themselves as average); and that penalties acted as a deterrent to speeding (82 per cent compared to 87 per cent of self-rated average drivers).

Assistant Treasurer and Minister responsible for TAC, Gordon Rich-Phillips said it was the first time that perceptions of driver competence had been included in the Road Safety Monitor and the findings were concerning.

“It’s up to all of us to set a good example for newer drivers,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.

“The latest Road Safety Monitor has also found that drivers aged 18 to 25 were more likely to pick routes to avoid police and believe they were less likely to be caught speeding.

"We know that new young drivers are over represented in road trauma, mainly due to inexperience, which for some is compounded by over confidence in their driving ability and deliberate risk taking.

“This survey is a reminder that the more experienced drivers and riders on the roads have an important role to play in setting the standard of good driving.”

Mr Rich-Phillips released the data as the TAC’s Wipe off 5 roadshow continues around the state, heading to Gippsland today.

“The Wipe off 5 slogan has been brought to life in giant, 3D letters and regional communities from Warrnambool to Wangaratta have had the opportunity to sign them and show their commitment to always driving responsibly.

“Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy highlights a concerted effort by the Victorian Coalition Government and its road safety partners to involve the community in the fight against road trauma,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.

The TAC is also encouraging the community to come up with their own creative ideas to Wipe off 5 for the chance to win $5,000 – find out more at www.wipeoff5.com.au.

The TAC’s latest Road Safety Monitor is now available at http://www.tac.vic.gov.au/road-safety/statistics/road-safety-and-marketing-surveys.