Victorian motorists are being encouraged to consider the cost of speeding as new research from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) reveals an increase in the number of people who ignore the risks.
Commenting on the TAC’s annual Road Safety Monitor 2021 Report, Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll said the survey of more than 2,500 Victorians about their road safety behaviours and attitudes 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),” Mr Carroll said.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Mr Carroll said the findings came as the TAC launches the second wave of a campaign to target risk-taking behaviours in a bid to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on the State’s roads.
“Sadly, so far this year, 147 people have been killed on Victoria’s roads, compared to 130 at the same time last year,” the Minister said.
He said the campaign aimed to deter road users from engaging in unsafe behaviours and support Victoria Police’s enforcement efforts by reminding people that if they took risks on the road, they would get caught – “Anywhere. Anytime. Anyone.”
Mr Carroll said the widespread campaign would appear on billboards, radio and digital platforms across the State, and would be expanded later this year.
The TAC’s 83-page Road Safety Monitor Report can be accessed at this PS News link.
