Rural road safety stats ‘disheartening’

SEPTEMBER is Rural Road Safety Month and members of the Australian Road Safety Foundation are urging regional motorists to take care each and every day.

In 2023, 33 per cent more fatal road crashes were recorded on rural roads in Victoria and 59 per cent of accidents across the state last year were in regional areas.

New data from the ARSF shows risk-taking behaviour and attitudes are likely to blame.

“Alarmingly, the ARSF’s research confirmed that almost half of Victorians (49 per cent) admit to unsafe driving practices on rural roads,” a foundation spokesperson said.

“Nearly half (45 per cent) admitted to speeding on country roads, 21 per cent acknowledged driving despite feeling fatigued, and 16 per cent are guilty of using a mobile phone behind the wheel.

“The primary reason Victorian drivers are breaking laws on regional roads is that they believe it’s safe (36 per cent) but distraction (26 per cent) and not getting caught (nine per cent) are also key factors.”

ARSF founder and chair Russell White said the statistics were disheartening.

“We are urging all Victorians to prioritise safety, especially during Rural Road Safety Month,” he said.

“By choosing to put safety first and undertaking simple actions, such as planning routes, taking rest breaks, and avoiding distractions, we can prevent death or serious injury on the road.

“That said, our research also unveiled encouraging news for our mission to enhance road safety in regional areas by confirming the positive impact campaigns such as Rural Road Safety Month have on behaviour and attitudes.”