Country Victorians are three times more likely to be killed on the roads than city drivers and 40 per cent more likely to be seriously injured, according to new statistics.
Victoria Police released the data in conjunction with a new Safer Country Roads Plan 2014-2018, which was launched last week.
The plan outlines Victoria Police’s commitment to reduce the road toll of over-represented country Victorians as part of the Road to Zero campaign.
The plan was announced as deaths on the state’s country roads passed 100 for the year so far.
Assistant Commissioner for Road Policing Robert Hill said education and enforcement were needed to change road use behaviour.
“Speeding and drink-driving are challenges we face across the state,” Mr Hill said.
He said it was concerning that one in every seven people killed on country roads last year was not wearing a seatbelt.
“These issues are compounded when combined with high average speeds, longer travel distances, and rural roads; you have an absolute disaster waiting to happen,” he said.
Last year, 141 people died on Victoria’s rural roads, with an average of two-thirds of all deaths on country roads occurring in 100 km/h zones.
“At those speeds a simple lapse in concentration or an unexpected event can prove fatal,” Mr Hill said.
The main aims of the Safer Country Roads Plan are to:
- Crack down on driving under the influence of drink and drugs;
- Promote awareness of fatigue and its dangers; and
- Educate drivers on the dangers of speed and not wearing a seatbelt.
The state road toll this year stood at 197 at the time of going to press.
