Persistent Driving Faults Among Victorians That Refuse to be Shaken Off
In a bid to improve road safety and reduce risky driving behaviours in Victoria, Australia, a comprehensive approach is being taken, encompassing awareness and education, enforcement, infrastructure, community engagement, technology integration, and regulatory updates.
RACV's Elvira Lazar has highlighted that the message about speed is not resonating with many Victorian drivers, underscoring the need for a more proactive approach. One of the key concerns is the rising number of drivers using drugs, surpassing drink-driving as a cause of fatal and serious injury crashes, accounting for about 40% of drivers and motorcyclists killed on the roads in the past five years.
To combat this, public awareness campaigns are being launched to educate drivers about the risks associated with speeding, alcohol and drug use while driving, distraction, not wearing seatbelts, and fatigue. These campaigns aim to highlight the consequences of dangerous driving behaviours and the benefits of safe practices.
Education is also being emphasised in driver education programs, such as the Learner Permit Test Online by VicRoads, which now focus more on road safety topics like drink and drug driving, seatbelts, fatigue, and distractions.
Strengthening law enforcement is another crucial strategy. This includes increasing police presence on roads to enforce traffic laws more effectively, using random breath tests and drug testing to deter alcohol and drug use. Strict penalties are being implemented for offenders, including fines, license suspension, or even imprisonment for severe cases.
The Safe System philosophy is being implemented, which includes safer roads, safer vehicles, safer speed, and safer road use through effectively designed infrastructure and safety measures. Traffic calming devices like speed bumps and speed cameras are being used to reduce speeding.
Community engagement is also vital. Local communities are being involved through workshops, seminars, and community events to promote road safety. Road safety education is being integrated into school curricula to instil safe driving habits from a young age.
Technology integration is another key strategy. Vehicles equipped with advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking and fatigue-detection systems are being encouraged. Mobile apps that monitor driving habits and provide feedback on safe driving practices are being developed and promoted.
Regulatory updates are ongoing. Road safety legislation is being continuously reviewed and updated to keep pace with emerging safety concerns. Victoria's road safety strategies are being aligned with national initiatives to ensure comprehensive safety measures.
Distraction, including mobile phone use, is a significant issue, contributing to about one in five crashes and resulting in at least 250 fatalities on Victorian roads in the past five years. Despite the risks, 37% of people admit to driving when tired, and an estimated 1.6 million Victorians drive while fatigued each year.
Ignoring common warning signs of fatigue, such as yawning, sore or heavy eyes, delayed reactions, forgetting the last few kilometres of travel, or difficulty maintaining a constant speed, can lead to accidents. Drink-driving continues to be a significant issue, with one in five drivers and motorcyclists killed having a blood-alcohol level over the legal limit of 0.05.
The Transport Accident Commission's road safety director, Samantha Cockfield, notes that excessive speed can be the difference between life and death or serious injury in the split second before a crash occurs. Roadside drug testing is being expanded by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) in collaboration with Victoria Police to deter drug-driving.
Elvira suggests taking a good night's sleep before a long trip and taking breaks every two hours to stretch your legs to avoid fatigue-related accidents. By combining these strategies, Victoria can effectively reduce risky driving behaviours and enhance overall road safety.
- Given the rising number of drivers using drugs, surpassing drink-driving as a cause of fatal accidents, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is expanding roadside drug testing to deter drug-driving, aligning with the comprehensive approach to improve road safety in Victoria, Australia.
- In an effort to combat distraction-related accidents, which account for about one in five crashes and result in at least 250 fatalities on Victorian roads in the past five years, advanced safety features in vehicles such as automatic emergency braking and fatigue-detection systems are being encouraged, integrating technology as a key strategy in road safety improvements.
- As general-news reports highlight the importance of reducing car-accidents, particularly those caused by speeding, alcohol, drug use, distraction, not wearing seatbelts, and fatigue, educational initiatives like driver education programs and public awareness campaigns are being launched to underscore the consequences of dangerous driving behaviours and the benefits of safe practices, contributing to the multi-faceted approach aimed at improving Victoria's road safety.
