Revealed: Victoria’s shocking COVID-19 driving habits

Many Victorians are taking life-threatening risks on the road during the state lockdown, with police warning they will not tolerate bad behaviour even during quieter conditions.

Exclusive: A startling number of Australian drivers have admitted to driving dangerously under a belief they are safer during lockdown conditions.

Fresh data from Australia’s Road and Safety Foundation (ARSF) obtained by News Corp found one in four motorists were taking risks during the COVID-19 lockdown.

It also revealed two thirds believe roads are now safer, while almost one fifth admitted they were speeding more.

Adding to the concern, nine per cent said they were using their mobile phone more often when behind the wheel than before lockdown restrictions were implemented.

The survey of 1000 motorists also found five per cent they were running red lights or stop signs more frequently, while three per cent admitted to driving after a few drinks.

With many resources re-directed towards COVID-19 operations and for public safety, police in WA, NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Queensland stopped high-volume booze bus testing - with some states publicising this.

Mobile speed camera operations were also reduced in some states.

Victoria Police has said road safety remains a priority amid the COVID-19 lockdown. Picture: Ian Currie

But with restrictions lifting, police across the country are returning to business as usual.

The data from ARSF marks the launch of their Fatality Free Friday campaign, which urges motorists to drive safely on May 29 and any other time they head out on to the road.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack threw his support behind the initiative: “Road safety is of vital importance to each and every Australian.”

“We all know someone who has lost their life on the road.

“This is so tragic. Fatality Free Friday reminds us of just how important road safety is.”

The research also showed drivers’ attitudes across the states.

A quarter of Victorian drivers polled admitted to engaging in risky driving behaviour since the coronavirus restrictions were rolled out.

More than 60 per cent believed the state’s roads were safer under current conditions, with almost a fifth confessing to speeding more often.

One in ten were more regularly using a mobile phone when driving, while five per cent were running red lights or stop signs.

The survey data also revealed worrying habits of Victorian drivers under regular conditions.

Four in five drivers admitted to breaking a road law, with one in three admitting to speeding on a weekly basis.

A quarter of respondents said they had driven over the legal alcohol limit, and a third had used their mobile phone.

Assistant Commissioner for Road Policing Libby Murphy said police were continuing to see dangerous acts, and added that road trauma did not stop even in these “unprecedented times”.

“We have seen a few instances of excessive speed and dangerous behaviour on the road,” Ms Murphy said.

“Despite less traffic and people only going out for essential travel, road safety remains an absolute priority for Victoria Police.

“Road policing operations continue to run targeting speeding, drink and drug driving, seatbelt not compliance and fatigue.”

ARSF CEO Russell White warned there was no excuse for risky driving behaviour.

“Sadly, with fewer cars on the roads during coronavirus, we’re seeing an increase in bad driver behaviour, which is unacceptable,” Mr White said.

“Road trauma at any time is tragic, but it’s also largely preventable. While our incredible frontline medical and emergency services are already working harder than ever, is that text message or few extra minutes worth adding extra pressure on these resources?”

“For every road death, another 35 Australians are hospitalised. Don’t let a split second decision change your or someone else’s life forever.”