NEW Transport Accident Commission 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 survey found that one-in-three drivers aged between 21 and 25 say they routinely speed 5kmh or more over the limit - more than double the state-wide average of all drivers.
The CESAR survey of 1892 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 says the survey results are alarming given that speeding is the biggest contributing factor to road trauma in Victoria. Speeding is found to be a major factor in around 30 per cent of deaths on Victoria’s roads in the past five years, and almost 80 per cent of speeding-related casualty crashes involving drivers travelling between one and 9kmh over the speed limit.
TAC CEO Tracey Slatter said young drivers’ growing complacency towards speeding in Victoria was concerning.
“Speeding, even at a low level, is dangerous - it increases both the likelihood of crashing and the severity of the crash outcome,” she said. “Young drivers are by definition less experienced, so taking risks with speeding can have tragic consequences.
“Drivers report to us that they usually speed because they are running late and want to make up time. Simple actions such as; planning your journey ahead of time, ensuring you leave on time and allowing plenty of driving time can help you stick within the limit.
“Other actions such as setting cruise control and staying alert to changing speed zones, particularly in residential streets and built-up areas, can also contribute to safer driving behaviours on our roads.
“We’re calling on all Victorians to slow down and drive to the conditions,” said Ms Slatter.
The report comes as Crimestoppers and the TAC with the support of Victoria Police launched the Brake the Habit campaign to encourage drivers to slow down on our roads.
 “Speeding remains one of the biggest factors in fatal and serious injury crashes on our roads, and low-level speeding can be just as dangerous as excessive speeding,” said Samantha Cockfield, TAC head of road safety.
“Going a ‘few ks over’ won’t save you much time, but travelling five kilometres an hour less could mean the difference between death and avoiding a crash altogether.”
Victorians are urged to plan their journeys by allowing plenty of travel time and staying alert to changing speed zones, particularly in residential areas.