New research from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has revealed that the majority of the State’s road deaths happened because of a simple mistake.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll said the TAC’s data analysis found that in 2020, 146 (71 per cent) of road deaths involved a basic error, as opposed to high-risk behaviour such as speeding, drink-driving and drug-driving.
“Judgement errors like driving too fast for the conditions, taking a corner too wide or lapses in concentration are all common but less malicious ‘mistakes’ that can have fatal consequences,” Mr Carroll said.
“The new data shows that tragic errors have played a role in around 70 per cent of road deaths since 2017,” he said.
“While deliberate behaviour like excessive speed, using a hand-held device, drink driving and drug driving rightfully remain a concerted focus of the State’s road safety efforts, Victorians are being reminded that even the best drivers can be a split second away from the unthinkable happening.”
Mr Carroll said there was a common misconception that it was the people who took risks who were involved in fatal crashes but that was not the case, anyone could be involved in an accident regardless of their experience on the State’s roads.
The Minister said simple mistakes caused 69 per cent of the road deaths in 2019; 68.7 per cent in 2018; and 69.5 per cent in 2017.
Chief Executive Officer of the TAC, Joe Calafiore said the Commission was asking Victorians to accept that they faced risks every time they drove and everyone had a responsibility to keep themselves and others safe.
