The facts
- In 2020 speed was suspected speed to be a contributing factor in 34% of fatal crashes.
- “Only a little bit over” matters: exceeding the speed limit by 3km/h is associated with a 25 per cent increase in crash risk
- As a vehicle’s speed increases, the time it takes for the vehicle to stop also increases.
- The higher the speed, the greater the impact.
- Studies show that small increases in the speed you are travelling can have large increases in the level of injury or the likelihood of death.
- Even at lower speeds you can be at risk of injury in a crash. Your impact speed in different types of crashes will determine your level of injury.
- Head on at 70km/hr
- Side impact at 50km/hr
- Side impact with tree 30km/hr
- Impact with pedestrian 30km/hr
Staying safe when driving
- Driving 5km/h less can reduce the severity of injury if you crash and can mean the difference between death and serious injury.
- Make sure you drive to the conditions – reduce your speed if the road quality isn’t great or if weather conditions are dangerous.
- Don’t feel pressured to drive above the posted speed limit if someone is driving close behind you.
- Saving time because you’re running late is often given as a reason for speeding. In reality the difference is not significant. If you drop your speed from 70km/hr to 60 km/hr over a 10km trip, your trip will only take an extra 86 seconds.
- When driving in busy precincts, be extra careful and look out for other road users, especially pedestrians, cyclists and children.
What we are doing about speeding
- The TAC supports road safety cameras as they have proven to be one of the most effective ways to get drivers to slow down and ultimately save lives. There has been a 47 per cent reduction in crashes resulting in death or injury at intersections with safety cameras. Find out more about road safety cameras
- The TAC installed eight major new roundabouts in 2019/20 to curb speed. A large number of crashes happen at intersections and roundabouts help to reduce these incidents.
- We also work with local government areas to support campaigns to reduce speed. Find out more about TAC grants
- See our Wipe off 5 campaign for more information on low level speeding.