Alarming results from TAC survey reveal the dangerous driving habits sending our road toll soaring

These shocking driving habits are getting road users killed — but many motorists don’t realise how dangerous they are.

More Victorian motorists admit to intentionally exceeding the speed limit in 60km/h and 100km/h zones, believing that speeding is less risky than drink-driving or driving with a mobile phone.

The alarming results, from an annual Transport Accident Commission survey, have prompted a warning from road safety authorities as the state’s road toll jumped to 148 this year, 18 more deaths than this time last year.

Almost half of motorists also admitted to driving while feeling drowsy, according to the TAC Road Safety Monitor report.

And the curse of mobile phone usage was still prevalent with 29 per cent of motorists disclosing they had used their phone illegally in the preceding three months, but the rate had fallen from 37 per cent in 2016.

New technology capturing drivers on their phones will be rolled out in Melbourne in the next two years. Picture: Victorian Government

Recent studies by Monash University Accident Research Centre found that nomophobia – the fear of being without a phone – was causing anxious drivers to engage in illegal smartphone activity, causing a major risk to road safety.

The Monash research found that people’s everyday phone dependency was being transferred to the driver’s seat.

The rates of deliberate speeding had risen, the TAC study found – the percentage of lead-foot drivers confessing to intentionally speeding on 60km/h roads was 42 per cent, compared to 39 per cent in 2020. And in 100km/h zones, 45 per cent admitted going over limit, up from 40 per cent two years ago.

Road Safety Minister Ben Carroll slammed those putting themselves and others at risk.

“The majority of Victorians do the right thing, but it is unacceptable that there are still a small number of people who willingly put themselves and others at risk,” he said.

The rising road toll was deeply concerning, he said.

Victorian motorist believe speeding is less risky than drink-driving or driving with a mobile phone. Picture: Julian Smith

“We can’t sit by and accept it – we are pleading with anyone thinking of partaking in risk-taking behaviour to heed the warning and slow down.”

Speed was still contributing to about 30 per cent of deaths each year, and 25 per cent of serious injuries.

The TAC has launched the second stage of an advertising campaign targeting risk-taking

behaviours and warning them that they will get caught – “Anywhere Anytime Anyone”.

TAC chief executive Joe Calafiore said attitudes to road safety had improved over the years, but an increasing proportion of motorists still valued saving a few minutes over safety.

“If you think going just a little bit over the speed limit is safe – think again. The evidence is clear that even small increases in speed can make a big difference in how seriously we are injured in a crash, or whether we survive at all.”