New campaign urges drivers to take a damn good look at themselves

04 Sep 2007

Media Release - 4 September 2007

Reckless speeding motorists were urged to take a damn good look at themselves, as the Minister for Roads and Ports, Tim Pallas launched a new TAC campaign.

The campaign features a male motorist, accompanied by his alter ego who represents his reasonable, considerate self.  Although the man regards himself as a competent and experienced driver he constantly exceeds the speed limit with tragic consequences.

The new campaign comes as new Sweeney research reveals that 70 per cent of motorists believe they are above average drivers and 89 per cent of drivers admit they exceed the speed limit at least some of the time. 

Mr Pallas described the new approach as important in exposing a contradiction between driver attitudes and behaviour.

“Many Victorians understand the ramifications of speed but there are still drivers who continue to speed and make excuses to justify their behaviour,” Mr Pallas said.

“Over 25 per cent of drivers believe that driving up to 10 km/h over the speed limit usually quite safe.

“This campaign highlights that this is unacceptable behaviour and there are very real consequences for not driving within the speed limit.”

Drivers travelling in a 60 km/h zone double their chance of being involved in a crash with every five km/h increase in speed.

However Mr Pallas said improvement had been seen in people’s attitudes to speeding over time.

“Since the first ‘Wipe off 5’ campaign was launched in 2001, people who report they speed most or all of the time has fallen from 25 per cent to 15 per cent. Average travelling speeds have also continued to fall across most speed zones,” Mr Pallas said. 

“When legislation is supported by a combination of public education, enforcement and improved infrastructure, the greatest results are gained – lives are saved. Information campaigns are a crucial part of that process.

“The road toll has fallen in recent years from 444 in 2001 to 337 in 2006, so we know this combination is working.

“This certainly lets us know we’re heading in the right direction but what this campaign reminds us all is that we should take a damn good look at ourselves every time we get behind the wheel.”