Murgon Police are urging South Burnett residents to consider the devastating domino effect of road trauma, as Australians continue to undertake risky behaviours on the roads.
New research released by the Australian Road Safety Foundation in the lead up to the 15th annual Fatality Free Friday initiative (28 May) found speeding remains by far the highest broken road rule, with 78 per cent of Australians admitting to being heavy footed.
Women are more likely than their male counterparts to speed, with an alarming 81 per cent of female drivers admitting to the risky behaviour.
The findings also reveal that jaywalking is the second highest road law broken, which shows that it’s not just Australian drivers but also pedestrians who need to step up their road safety skills.
Worryingly, more than two thirds of Australians admit to having broken a road rule, with a quarter of people doing so at least once a week.
When it came to the reasons for undertaking these potentially life-threatening behaviours, half of Australian drivers said it was due to inattention (50 per cent), followed by the belief that it was safe to do so (30 per cent).
Senior Sergeant Brett Everest said Murgon Police will be targeting the Fatal Five leading up to and including Fatality Free Friday.
“This day a reminder to all motorists of the importance of being aware of the Fatal Five and the impacts road trauma has on the community,” Senior Sergeant Everest said.
“Being aware of these factors and driving to the conditions goes a long way to reducing road crashes in our community.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility but that starts with you.”
ARSF founder and CEO Russell White said the research highlights the need for further education around the idea that it’s just drivers who suffer the consequences of road risk taking.
“Tragically, 1,108 people lost their lives on Australian roads last year,” Mr White said.
“The research shows that a frightening 84 per cent of road users falsely believe that drivers make up the majority of the road toll, when in actual fact more than half are passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
“Individuals have a responsibility to make the right choices when using the roads and it is imperative they understand the devastating consequences their choices can have not just on other road users, but on the wider community.
“That’s why this year we’re working to increase awareness of the devastating domino effect of road trauma beyond fatalities. The impact of road trauma is far-reaching and does not discriminate. Road users also need to understand the impact on families, friends, schools, workplaces, first responders and emergency services.”
Fortunately, the ARSF is not alone in understanding the importance of education and changes to behaviour, with almost half the population agreeing that this is the best way to prevent road trauma.
The research also reveals we can expect to see far more activity on our roads post-covid, with one in two Australians more likely to go on long road trips rather than flying this year.
The research has been released as the ARSF calls on individuals to #ChooseRoadSafety and demonstrate their commitment to reducing the road toll by taking the Fatality Free Friday pledge.
Taking the pledge means promising to always be fit to drive, stay focused on the road, scan the road ahead, keep a safe distance, and to drive in a way that suits the conditions.
Since its inception in 2007, Fatality Free Friday has grown to become Australia’s largest national community based road safety program.
While the target is to have zero fatalities on Australian roads on Friday, 28 May, the initiative is much more than just a single day, ultimately aiming for long-term community change.
To take the pledge, visit arsf.com.au/take-the-pledge/.
