New Transport Accident Commission (TAC) research shows that young Victorian drivers’ acceptance of speeding is double that of all other drivers.
The TAC’s latest Community Engagement and Social Acceptability Research (CESAR) survey found that 1 in 3 of young Victorian drivers (those aged between 21-25) say they routinely speed 5km/h or more over the limit – more than double the state-wide average of all drivers.
The CESAR survey of 1,892 licence holders is conducted biennially by the TAC and explores key road safety issues and the social acceptability of dangerous driving behaviours in Victoria.
TAC chief executive Tracey Slatter said with speeding already the biggest contributing factor to road trauma in Victoria, the results were especially alarming.
“Speeding, even at a low level, is dangerous – it increases both the likelihood of crashing and the severity of the crash outcome,” Ms Slatter said.
“Young drivers are by definition less experienced, so taking risks with speeding can have tragic consequences.”
Running late was the main reason survey respondents gave for speeding, with the TAC recommending that drivers plan their journey ahead of time, set their vehicles to cruise control and stay alert to changing speed zones, in order to avoid going over the limit.
“We’re calling on all Victorians to slow down and drive to the conditions,” said Ms Slatter.
