State inquiry seeks feedback on road users’ behaviour

A PARLIAMENTARY inquiry into how road safety behaviours have changed during and after the COVID-19 pandemic is seeking more public feedback.

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant, who is the chair of the Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said the inquiry was welcoming submissions to its investigation into the impact of road safety behaviours on vulnerable road users.

“Last year, 241 Victorians lost their lives on the road, and thousands more were injured,” she said.

“We also know many more pedestrians and motorcyclists died on the road last year compared with the previous year.

Vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcycle riders, are less protected in the event of a road crash.

The inquiry will consider the impact of road users’ behaviour on these groups as well as on the safety of children, older people and people using mobility devices.

“Studies suggest drivers were more distracted during lockdowns and were more likely to take risks on the road such as speeding,” Ms Marchant said.

“We want to hear from road users about their experiences on the road during and after COVID, and their views on how to improve road safety behaviours.

“We’re also keen to hear from road safety experts and peak bodies representing road users on what they think is shaping people’s behaviour on the road, and how this information can be used to improve safety.”

According to the Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee’s terms of reference for the inquiry, the committee is to give its report to the Legislative Assembly no later than March 31, 2024.

Submissions close on Friday, May 19.

The committee’s website states the inquiry would prefer submissions to be made online via its website, but submissions can also be accepted in a written or email format.

For more information or to make a submission, head to new.parliament.vic.gov.au/roadsafetybehaviours