Dangerous drivers not getting the message despite knowing risks
As authorities grapple with a terrifying surge in the road toll, a new report has revealed drivers are not getting the message on safety. Now Victorian scientists are working on a test to detect drivers who are too dangerous to be behind the wheel.
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Victorian motorists are ignoring key safety warnings on our roads, with more than a third of drivers admitting to driving drowsy and illegally using mobile phones.
As authorities grapple with a shocking surge in the number of the lives lost in car crashes, a new report shows many drivers are not getting simple messages.
It comes as Victorian scientists work to develop a world-first roadside eye test that could catch out drivers who are too drowsy to be behind the wheel.
A Transport Accident Commission’s survey of more than 1600 motorists found that 37 per cent of Victorians had driven while fatigued in the past three months compared to 34 per cent a year earlier.
And yet the same group of motorists said feeling tired behind the wheel was a very dangerous activity and ranked it just below drink driving.
Fatigue is attributed to nearly a quarter of all fatal crashes every year and more than 300 serious injuries.
More than a third of those polled also admitted to illegally using a mobile phone in the car.
Assistant Commissioner Stephen Leane, of the road policing command, said 2019 had been particularly challenging for authorities.
“It is frustrating that the despite so many deaths and serious injuries on the road that message does not seem to be getting through,” he said.
“We ask people to have a think about the consequences before using their mobile phone or choosing to drive tired.
“We have all been in situations where we’ve seen cars swerving across lanes due to the driver being tired or distracted. “
There have been 211 lives lost on Victorian roads this year, compared to 159 over the same period in 2018.
Fatigue was found to be bigger issue among young people, with more than half of Victorian drivers aged between 18-25 admitting to driving drowsy in the last three months.
In September, a court heard a young sleep-deprived driver had nodded off behind the wheel before allegedly running a red light and killing a cyclist at Taylors Lakes.
He is alleged to have told officers he’d fallen asleep before hearing a loud bang.
Roads Safety Minister Jaala Pulford said young drivers were more inexperienced and more likely to take risks.
“Given their inexperience and exposure to risk, it is critical that young drivers give themselves the best chance of a safe journey by being as rested and alert as possible when behind the wheel,” she said.
“We know young people can be tired from study, shift work, or staying out all night but, it is critical that they identify the dangers and avoid driving drowsy because the outcomes can be tragic.”
The TAC is now launching a new road safety strategy to fight the scourge of preventable car crashes.
A statewide survey will seek to find the biggest problems while also looking for solutions that can bring the road toll down
“The ideas and insights of Victorians will be central to the next road safety strategy, … I encourage all Victorians to share their thoughts by filling out the survey — your insights are vital in creating safer roads, reducing injury and saving lives,” Ms Pulford said.
The Department of Transport, Monash University, Victoria Police and the TAC are also developing new technology that tests motorists for tiredness by scanning their eyes.
It would then be developed into a roadside test similar used to find drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
TAC chief executive Joe Calafiore said fatigue could have the same impact on driving ability as alcohol.
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“Drowsy driving is a major factor in road trauma in Victoria and with young drivers already over represented in fatalities, it is so important that they minimise their exposure to further risks,” he said.
Road Trauma Support Services Victoria chief executive Bernadette Nugent said:
“These figures represent hundreds of families whose lives have changed forever.
Statistically, the number of fatigue related crashes is very significant in relation to crashes that occur for other reasons.
“AT RTSSV, we provide anyone impacted by road trauma with support, information and counselling.”
To fill out the road safety strategy survey visit engage.vic.gov.au/TZ2020