Motorists in Victoria are being urged to consider the cost of speeding, as new research reveals an increase in the number of people who ignore the risks.

Findings from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) annual Road Safety Monitor Report, which surveys more than 2,500 Victorians on their road safety behaviours and attitudes, has revealed the highest incidence of self-reported intentional speeding since 2016.

The results showed an increase in respondents admitted to intentionally speeding in 60km/h zones (42 per cent versus 39 per cent in 2020) or 100km/h zones (45 per cent versus 40 per cent in 2020).

The report also uncovered that people viewed speeding as less dangerous than most other high-risk driving behaviours, such as drink driving and driving while using a mobile device.

Speed contributes to around 30 per cent of deaths each year, and 25 per cent of serious injuries on Victoria roads each year.

So far this year, 147 people have been killed on Victoria’s roads, compared to 130 at the same time last year.

Other key findings revealed in this year’s 2021 TAC Road Safety Monitor, include:

  • 45 per cent admitted to driving while feeling drowsy – an increase from 2020 (38 per cent)
  • 29 per cent had used their phone illegally while driving in the preceding three months – however, this has declined substantially from 37 per cent in 2016

The full survey results can be read on the TAC website.

“It is deeply concerning to see so many lives being lost on our roads, and we can’t sit by and accept it – we are pleading with anyone thinking of partaking in risk-taking behaviour to heed the warning and slow down,” said Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll.