Victoria’sRoad

SafetyAction

Plan20132016

roads for all Victorians

Safe

Foreword 3Introduction 5Keydirections 5

} Serious injuries – a new focus 5 } Working together – a new approach 6 } Technology – new advances 6 } Research – new investigations 6

} Priority actions – new actions 6

Priorityactions 7 } Drink driving 8 } Drug driving 10 } Speeding 11 } Distraction 13 } Pedestrians 15 } Cyclists 16 } Country road users 18 } Roads and speed limits 20 } Young drivers 22 } Older road users 24 } Motorcyclists 25 } Unlicensed drivers 27 } Trucks 29 } Vehicle safety 31

Endnotes 34

Contents

Department ofJustice

For this document and current road safety information visit roadsafety.vic.gov.au

Foreword

More than five million Victorians use our roads every day, whether they’re behind the wheel, using public transport, on a motorbike, a bicycle, or on foot. Success in making our roads safer will only occur if all of us on the roads make the right choices, talk the toll down, and engage in a never ending discussion about road safety.

But with more and more of us on the roads each year, and with so many different modes of transport using our roads, this is becoming an even bigger challenge.

Victoria is already an international leader in road safety. This has been achieved through commitment and a strong community desire to reduce road trauma. This has translated into a reduction in road tolls over the last seven years.

In 2012 the road toll was the lowest yet – but the toll still represents 282 people no longer with us, and more than 5,000 people seriously injured. The suffering and grief, and the changed financial and family circumstances for the many affected leave deep and lasting impacts.

In December 2012 the Victorian Coalition Government announced $36 million in funding for a new rehabilitation centre for people with an acquired brain injury. It will be established at Alfred Health’s Caulfield Hospital.

More than 1,200 Victorians are living with an acquired brain injury from a road accident. Every four days, someone in Victoria suffers a severe brain injury in a road crash, which results in a profound and irreversible change to their lives. These injuries are the hidden toll of road trauma.

Our ideal must always be that there will be zero deaths and zero injuries on our roads. In this strategy we outline an approach to pursue new and ambitious objectives over the next 10 years, in particular:

} reducing deaths by more than 30 per cent; and } reducing serious injury by more than 30 per cent.

Combining approaches that already work with new initiatives can make a dramatic difference.

The Victorian Coalition Government is driving the next generation of road safety and is making a $1 billion commitment to road safety by continuing with the things we know work, based on solid scientific

evidence. This includes infrastructure, education programs, increased use of alcohol interlocks, new research, promoting and encouraging new safety technologies and strong enforcement measures that clamp down on those who put our lives at risk.

But we’ll also need to work in new ways.

Victoria will again lead the way in Australia by introducing a new injury measure. At the moment there is no distinction between serious injuries such as broken bones and the more life-changing and permanent injuries such as quadriplegia and brain injury. So for the first time in Australia, Victoria will develop a severe injury category, which will focus our efforts to improve our safety response.

Our strategy also highlights the importance of a collaborative approach between government and the community. The Coalition Government is committed to saving lives and reducing trauma by making the road network safe. This Action Plan is supported by a range of other initiatives including a whole-of-government strategy to reduce the impact of alcohol and drug abuse on the Victorian community. But we’re calling on you to do your part too. All Victorians – pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, drivers and passengers – have a responsibility to make better, safer choices on the road. It’s never an accident when road users make a dangerous choice.

When we announced the Victorian Coalition Government’s establishment of a Ministerial Road Safety Council, we recognised how critical it was to reduce trauma on our roads and improve the safety of the state’s road network. This new approach, our strategic direction and action plans detailing what we, as a Government, will do, and what you can do, will get us there. When we all work together to make better choices on the roads, lives can be saved, severe injuries can be reduced and we can all get home safely to our loved ones.

TheHonTedBaillieuMLAPremier

23

Introduction

This is the first of three Action Plans which sets out the steps we will take to achieve the vision, targets and direction outlined in Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy 2013–22.

In this first Action Plan (2013-2016), we present the priority activities to reduce death and serious injury on our roads by more than 30 per cent, reducing the road toll from 282 (2012) to below 200, and cases of serious injury from 5,500 to below 3,850.

We have chosen the actions in this plan as the most effective to get us to our targets based on:

} the input from more than 16,500 survey responses and submissions from members of our community and organisations obtained during the 2012 consultation process; and

} an evidence based approach – the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) has modelled the package of initiatives to make sure they deliver significant safety benefit.

Given the diverse needs of the Victorian community and the community’s expectation that dollars will be spent wisely, we have chosen initiatives that will give the community the greatest road safety benefit.

Keydirections

45

In this action plan we will continue doing the things we know work such as using the Safe System approach to road safety to avoid crashes or reduce their impacts.

This approach works on roads, roadsides, vehicles and people’s behaviour to reduce the force with which a body is hit in a crash so that a person is less likely to be injured or killed, knowing that no matter how good the system is, and how careful people are, there will always be human error and crashes are inevitable.

While we will continue with existing initiatives that we know improve road safety, new measures in a number of new areas will help us reach our ambitious targets.

Seriousinjuries–anewfocusLike other jurisdictions around the world, Victoria has not reduced its serious injuries at the same rate as it has reduced its road deaths.

In the last 25 years the road toll has been reduced by 60 per cent but the ‘hidden road toll’ of serious injuries has only been reduced by around 45 per cent in the same period. So this action plan aims to dramatically reduce this hidden road toll.

One of the first steps is to create a new reporting measure to highlight our most severely injured crash victims. At the moment, most states in Australia define a serious injury as anything that results in a person being admitted to hospital for one or more nights.

The new definition of ‘severe injury’ will differentiate between those relatively minor injuries and severe, life-changing injuries such as quadriplegia and brain injury. The impact of these injuries is terrible and if we turn deaths into severe injuries, we have only done part of the job.

This new reporting measure will help us to develop a severe injury toll on our roads.

Alongside our existing death and serious injury measures this new severe injury category will give us more accurate and sophisticated knowledge and information so that we can tailor our safety response to not only reduce road deaths, but also life-changing injuries.

These measures will also make people more aware of the real costs of risky behaviour on our roads. Our work will be assisted by the Parliament of Victoria’s Road Safety Committee Inquiry into Serious Injury, which is now underway.

Workingtogether–anewapproachWe will also work in closer partnership with the people of Victoria. The Victorian Government will take strong action to make the road system safe. We will use engineering to make vehicles, roads and roadsides safer, but this is only effective if people on the roads make the right decisions to stay safe.

We will support people through a renewed focus in education so that people know the responsible thing to do and know the risks and potentially devastating results of unsafe behaviour.

We’ll also give people tools to make more responsible choices, for example – Intelligent Speed Assist which will help drivers comply with speed limits.

But where people do the wrong thing and put their own and others’ lives at risk, we will come down hard with stronger enforcement and tougher penalties.

Government working on its own to make the roads safe can only achieve so much. This new collaboration underlines the responsibility that everybody on the roads has to make good choices to stay safe.

We all need to do more and do better if we are to reach our targets of reducing the death and serious injury tolls by more than 30 per cent.

Technology–newadvancesAdvancements in vehicle safety technology give us enormous potential to reduce both the number of crashes and their severity when they do happen. Airbags, electronic stability control, alcohol interlocks and seatbelts have proven themselves in saving lives.

We will closely monitor new road safety technologies and, in collaboration with the Federal Government, work towards a more rapid adoption of new design rules so we can fast-track new safety technology as it comes on to the market.

We’re also expecting a significant safety benefit from Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems based on an emerging technology where vehicles communicate with each other and road infrastructure to help avoid crashes.

Already, modelling is showing that the total number of fatal and serious casualty crashes could be reduced by as much as 25 to 35 per cent.

VicRoads will design new roads so that they can support these technologies as they come on line.

Research–newinvestigationsWe’re putting considerable resources into cutting edge research such as an Enhanced Crash Investigation Study to increase the focus on serious injuries to give us better information to develop countermeasures to reduce both deaths and serious injuries.

We’re also gaining a better understanding of the relationship between using mobile phones while driving and road crashes. Building on world leading research from the United States, Victoria will be part of a ‘real life’ driving study which will examine what drivers actually do and how often, in normal and safety critical situations, and their interactions with other people on the road.

These studies will help us develop a new approach to some of our most difficult road safety problems, and give us solid data that will help us develop new initiatives for future Action Plans.

PriorityActions–newactionsThe following section outlines the new actions we’re taking for the next three years to help us meet our targets. While we’ll work across many areas, we’ll concentrate our efforts on:

} tackling the main contributors to trauma on our roads – speed, and drink driving are involved in more than half of all deaths; and

} protecting the people most at-risk – motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists.

By focusing on these crucial elements we will make a significant contribution to meeting our targets and saving people from death and serious injury on our roads.

PriorityactionsWe all need to do more if we are to reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads

67

Drinkdriving

BackgroundDrink driving accounts for 25 to 30 per cent of deaths and 11 per cent of serious injuries on Victoria’s roads.1 Repeat drink drivers make up 30 per cent of all drivers caught drink driving.

Whatyoutoldus } 89 per cent agreed that drink drivers should face longer bans from driving or owning a car.

} 83 per cent agreed that there should be an increase in the number of drink drivers required to have alcohol interlock devices fitted to their vehicles.

} 82 per cent agreed that there should be an increase in awareness about the dangers of drink driving.

WhatweknowworksAlcohol interlocks are highly effective for repeat drink drivers because they stop the car from starting if the driver has been drinking.

Research suggests that if alcohol interlocks were a standard feature in all Victorian cars, approximately 50 lives and 500 serious injuries would be saved each year.

StrategicdirectionReduceroadtraumafromdrinkdrivingthroughafocusonvehicletechnology,educationandazerotoleranceenforcementregime.

Whatwe’redoingEngineeringExpandthefittingofalcoholinterlockstothevehiclesofallconvicteddrinkdriversIn the future, we expect that alcohol interlocks will become a standard feature of all new vehicles sold in Australia.

Until then, we’re expanding the current alcohol interlock program from applying only to Blood Alcohol Concentrations of .15 or higher and repeat drink drivers, to applying to every convicted drink driver – including low-level and first offences. This will reduce the menace of drink driving on our roads.

EducationIncreasingawarenessofdrinkdrivingrisksThe TAC will continue delivering high quality, thought provoking public education campaigns that improve people’s understanding of the role of drink driving in road trauma.

EnforcementImpoundingthevehiclesoffirsttime,high-leveldrinkdriversImpound the vehicles of drivers with Blood Alcohol Concentrations of .10 or higher, rather than just repeat drink drivers. This will be a powerful deterrent to drink driving, additional to the immediate licence suspension which already applies.

TougheningpenaltiesCreate a new offence with a tough penalty for driving under the combined influence of alcohol (over legal BAC) and illicit drugs.

Whatyoucando } If you plan to drive, plan not to drink. } If you plan to drink, consider alternative transport options such as a taxi or public transport.

} Offer to be the designated driver. } Voluntarily put an alcohol interlock into your car.

89

Drugdriving

BackgroundIllicit drugs are a factor in around 20 per cent of all driver deaths, while abuse of some prescription medications is emerging as a major road safety concern.2

There is a growing recognition of the road safety problems associated with the abuse of pharmaceutical drugs such as benzodiazepines (Valium and Xanax) across Victoria.3 There is also significant evidence of a relationship between the abuse of certain pharmaceutical drugs, driving impairment and crash risk.

Current Victorian research shows that where drivers with three or more drugs in their blood (alcohol, illicit drugs and inappropriate levels of prescription drugs) are involved in crashes, they are found to be at fault in more than 95 per cent of cases.4

Whatyoutoldus } 89 per cent agreed that repeat drug drivers should be required to have counselling by medical professionals.

} 88 per cent supported increased testing for drug drivers.

} 87 per cent supported an increase in public awareness about the dangers of drug driving.

} 86 per cent supported increased penalties for drug driving.

Whatwe’redoingEducationTACmediacampaignsAn alarming 50 per cent of self-confessed drug drivers claimed in a 2011 survey that illicit drugs have little or no effect on their driving ability. The TAC will undertake research based public awareness campaigns to:

} improve understanding by health professionals and the community of the role of illicit drugs in road trauma; and

} educate drivers and riders about the effects and risks associated with driving and taking prescription medications.

DevelopingwaystoinformandidentifyissuessurroundingdruguseConduct world-leading research into crashes involving alcohol, illicit drugs and prescription medications to get crucial data to make our education and enforcement more effective.

This will lead to the creation of better tools to identify drivers who are alcohol and drug addicted, and better tools to help them change their behaviour because they generally don’t respond to sanctions like suspending their licence, fines and demerit points.

EnforcementTougheningpenaltiesandsanctions

} Expand and increase testing for drug driving. } Create a new offence with a tough penalty for driving under the combined influence of alcohol (over legal Blood Alcohol Concentration) and illicit drugs.

} Develop objective measures of illicit drug use which will give magistrates the tools to apply more effective sanctions.

Whatyoucando } Don’t take drugs and drive. } Visit the Australian Drug Foundation website for information about illicit drugs and driving risk (adf.org.au).

} Check with your doctor whether you can drive while you’re on your prescription medication.

StrategicdirectionAdoptamuchtougherandmoresustainedapproachtodetectingandpenalisingdrugdrivers.Workwiththecommunitytostrengthenthemanagementofprescriptionmedicationstosupportsafemobility.

Speeding

1011

BackgroundSpeed contributes to nearly 100 road deaths and 1,700 serious injuries each year, and costs the state about $1 billion every year.

Research shows that in a 60km/h zone the risk of a crash doubles for every 5km/h the speed limit is exceeded. And travelling at 70km/h in a 60km/h zone nearly quadruples the risk of a crash.

Pedestrians hit at 40km/h are 75 per cent less likely to die than those hit at 50km/h, according to the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC).

So reducing speeding is crucial to improving road safety.

Whatyoutoldus } 73 per cent agreed there should be an increase in public education about the dangers of speeding.

} 58 per cent agreed that new vehicles should be required to have speed alert technologies such as Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA).

} The majority of submissions contended that tougher penalties, an increased police presence and more speed cameras were the best ways of stopping motorists from speeding.

WhatweknowworksExperts estimate speed camera technology reduces crashes causing injury by up to 47 per cent at intersections.

Vehicles fitted with Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) can detect the speed limit in which they’re travelling and can then alert the driver if they’re going over the speed limit. The vehicle can even override the driver and reduce the speed itself.

Research from the United Kingdom shows ISA has the potential to reduce injury crashes by 36 per cent and fatal crashes by 59 per cent depending on the ISA system in operation.5

StrategicdirectionHelpdriverscomplywithspeedlimitsthroughvehicletechnologyandthesettingofclearandsimplespeedlimits,aswellasincreasedenforcementofspeedlimits.

Whatwe’redoingEngineeringIntroducingIntelligentSpeedAssist(ISA)Develop a strategy for the implementation of ISA – an in-car technology that reminds drivers what speed limit they are travelling in.

ImplementingoutcomesoftheVictorianSpeedLimitReviewSimplify speed zones by:

} gradually phasing out 90km/h and 70km/h speed zones;

} removing frequent speed limits changes over short distances; and

} reducing sign clutter on busy roads.Drivers will see fewer speed zones, reducing potential confusion and helping people drive within speed limits.

EducationIncreasingawarenessoftherisksofspeeding

} The TAC will continue to develop campaigns that educate the community about the risks associated with travelling over the limit and at speeds inappropriate for the conditions.

} VicRoads and the TAC will increase awareness of how effective ISA is and encourage people to install it in their vehicles.

EnforcementIncreasingourcapacitytocatchpeoplespeeding

} Increase our use of automated speed enforcement, including point-to-point, mobile, speed and red light camera systems.

} Work towards resolving the current inequity that exists between motorcyclists and other road users where motorcyclists are not detected when committing traffic offences due to the lack of a front number plate.

} Increase the penalty for obscured number plates from the current fine of $141.

Whatyoucando } Drive within the speed limit. } Drive to conditions so if it’s raining, or there are hazards, slow down.

} Put an Intelligent Speed Advisory System into your vehicle.

} Help us catch those that risk our safety through an expanded hoon reporting facility.

Distraction

1213

BackgroundTexting increases the risk of a crash or near-crash by up to 15 times for car drivers and over 20 times for truck drivers.6

Eighty per cent of crashes and 65 per cent of near crashes involve driver inattention in the few seconds prior to the onset of the crash or near-crash.7 Getting distracted doesn’t take much – in car distractions come from many sources, such as our passengers, mobile phones, radios, CD player and navigation equipment.

Visual clutter on the road, like too many advertising and road advisory signs, makes it difficult for people to detect changes and undermines people’s ability to keep to the speed limit and follow traffic signs. This is particularly difficult for older drivers.

Whatyoutoldus } 89 per cent agreed that drivers found texting while driving should face tougher penalties.

WhatweknowworksAccording to research, making sure you do not take your eyes from the road for more than two seconds is critical to reducing crashes.

The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that a driver whose attention is taken off the road for two seconds becomes twice as likely to be in a crash. Sending or reading a text message takes 4.6 seconds.

StrategicdirectionIntroduceinitiativesthatreducetherisksassociatedwithdistractionandinattention.Implementstrictenforcementmeasuresthatdeterillegalmobilephoneuse.Improvepeople’sunderstandingoftherisksofdistraction.

Whatwe’redoingEngineeringVoluntaryblockingofmobilephoneswhiledrivingPromote phone applications that silence incoming phone calls and messages when a person is driving.

ReducingvisualclutterontheroadsReduce sign clutter by reviewing areas where signs are competing with each other and distracting drivers.

EducationIncreasingawarenessofdistractingtechnologiesPublic education campaign focussing on the effects of distracting technologies such as mobile phones, headphones and tablet computers.

EnforcementExtendingthebanonmobilephoneuseBroaden the ban on mobile phone use by probationary P1 drivers to include P2 drivers. Currently, only P1 drivers (first year probationary drivers) must not use a mobile phone while driving, including hands-free devices, while P2 drivers are permitted to use hands-free devices.

IntroducingtougherandmoreeffectivepenaltiesformobilephoneusewhiledrivingProvide greater deterrence to distracted driving, through stronger sanctions for drivers who are detected using a mobile phone while driving.

Whatyoucando } Don’t use a mobile phone while driving – particularly to text.

} Avoid using headphones to ensure you can hear approaching traffic, particularly if you are a pedestrian or cyclist.

A pedestrian hit by a vehicle travelling at 50km/h is four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than if hit at 40km/h.

Pedestrians

1415

BackgroundA pedestrian hit by a vehicle travelling at 50km/h is four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than if hit at 40km/h.

On average, 46 pedestrians are killed each year on Victorian roads.

Whatyoutoldus } 75 per cent of cyclists and pedestrians supported expanding 40km/h zones in areas of high pedestrians and cyclist activity.

} 77 per cent supported an increase in the policing of unsafe pedestrian behaviour.

} 75 per cent supported increasing enforcement against unsafe driving behaviour around pedestrians.

} 67 per cent supported increasing safety education for drivers on how to share the road with pedestrians.

} 61 per cent supported increasing the number of pedestrian crossings and other pedestrian facilities.

WhatweknowworksExperts estimate that the number of pedestrian and cyclist injuries in Melbourne’s strip shopping centres that have introduced a 40km/h speed zone has reduced by nearly 17 per cent.

StrategicdirectionProvidepedestrianswithimprovedinfrastructureandsafervehiclespeedstoreducetheirriskandsupporttheuptakeofsustainabletravelmodes.

Whatwe’redoingEngineeringUsing40km/hzonestoimprovepedestrianandcyclistsafetyDevelop guidelines to enable greater use of 40km/h zones where and when the risks of pedestrian or cyclist crashes are high.

Improvingpedestrianandcyclistsafetyin‘blackareas’Develop a new ‘black area’ program that will provide safer infrastructure where clusters of pedestrian and cyclist crashes occur.

ProvidingsaferinfrastructureonlocalroadsImplement a grants program for local government to provide safer walking infrastructure.

EducationEncouragingsaferoadsharingamongallroadusersIncrease awareness of the vulnerability of pedestrians and encourage safer and more considerate road sharing among drivers and pedestrians.

ImprovingdrivewaysafetyDeliver public education campaigns to increase awareness of driveway safety and safety in low speed environments.

EnforcementIncrease enforcement of unsafe behaviour that endangers pedestrians.

Whatpedestrianscando } Cross safely using traffic lights or pedestrian crossings.

} Pause the music and don’t use the phone while crossing the road.

Whatdriverscando } Take your time, especially at intersections, to check for pedestrians.

} Drive within the speed limit.

Cyclists

BackgroundA cyclist hit by a vehicle travelling at 50km/h is four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than if hit at 40km/h.

On average seven cyclists are killed each year on Victorian roads.

The proportion of crashes involving cyclists is currently significantly higher at roundabouts than elsewhere. In Victoria cyclists are involved in nine per cent of fatal and serious injury crashes, while at roundabouts 25 per cent of fatal and serious injury crashes involve cyclists.

Whatyoutoldus } 84 per cent agreed with tackling unsafe cycling behaviour through penalties and enforcement.

} 79 per cent agreed that fines for cyclists who disobey road rules should be the same as fines for motorists.

} 76 per cent supported increasing the number of separated bike lanes and paths.

} 75 per cent of cyclists and pedestrians supported expanding 40km/h zones in areas of high pedestrians and cyclist activity.

} 73 per cent of survey respondents supported increasing driver education on how to share the road with cyclists.

WhatweknowworksExperts estimate that the number of pedestrians and cyclist injuries in Melbourne’s strip shopping centres that have introduced a 40km/h speed zone has reduced by nearly 17 per cent.

StrategicdirectionProvidecyclistswithimprovedinfrastructureandsafervehiclespeedstoreducetheirriskandsupporttheuptakeofsustainabletravelmodes.

Whatwe’redoingEngineeringUsing40km/hzonestoimprovepedestrianandcyclistsafetyDevelop guidelines to enable greater use of 40km/h zones where and when the risks of pedestrian or cyclist crashes are high.

Improvingpedestrianandcyclistsafetyin‘blackareas’Develop a new ‘black area’ program that will provide safer infrastructure where clusters of pedestrian and cyclist crashes occur.

Developingnewcycling-saferoundaboutsModify the design and function of roundabouts to give greater safety to cyclists.

ProvidingsaferinfrastructureonlocalroadsImplement a grants program for local government to provide safer cycling infrastructure.

EducationEncouragingsaferoadsharingamongallroadusersIncrease awareness of the vulnerability of cyclists and encourage safer and more considerate road sharing among drivers and cyclists.

EnforcementTargetedenforcementIncrease enforcement of unsafe behaviour that endangers cyclists and continually enforce cyclist compliance with all road rules, especially obeying traffic signals and helmet wearing.

ReviewingroadrulesReview road rules and legislation to further protect cyclist safety and ensure cyclists do not put others at risk.

Whatcyclistscando } Make yourself visible with reflective or light coloured clothing.

} Ensure you have lights on while riding at night. } Always wear a helmet. } Use bike lanes and paths when you can. } Stay alert and avoid distractions like headphones.

Whatdriverscando } Take your time, especially at intersections, to check for cyclists.

} Drive within the speed limit.

1617

Countryroadusers

BackgroundPeople in the country are three times more likely to die and 40 per cent more likely to be seriously injured in road crashes than those in metropolitan Melbourne.

Nearly two thirds of all fatalities on Victoria’s rural and regional roads are local residents.

Around a third of all fatalities on rural and regional roads occur when a single vehicle leaves the road and hits a tree.

Drink driving fatalities are nearly three times higher in rural and regional Victoria than in metropolitan Melbourne when population is taken into account.

Whatyoutoldus } 81 per cent supported putting in more protective barriers and removing hazards.

} Education should be conducted through trusted community hubs like sports and social clubs.

} A higher priority should be put on maintenance of regional and rural road infrastructure, including wider shoulders on roads, sealed edge lines, and better line marking.

WhatweknowworksInvesting in the safety of our roads and roadsides is a proven measure to reduce road trauma. Evaluation of the Safer Road Infrastructure Program shows a 36 per cent reduction in fatal and serious injury crashes at those sites that have been treated.

StrategicdirectionImprovethesafetyofVictoria’sruralandregionalroadsandroadsides.Targetunsafedriving/ridingincountryVictoriathroughintelligence-ledenforcementandtargetededucation.

Whatwe’redoingEngineeringExpandingtheSaferRoadInfrastructureProgramExpand the Safer Roads Infrastructure Program (SRIP), which aims to reduce the incidence and severity of crashes along roads with a relatively high number of serious casualty crashes.

$100 million per year over the next ten years to improve the safety of Victoria’s roads and roadsides on treatments such as the sealing of shoulders, installation of rumble lines, wire rope barrier or guardrail and intersection improvements.

CountryroadsandbridgesComplete delivery of the $160 million state-wide program of works to improve country roads and bridges

ImprovingthesafetyofcountryroadsformotorcyclistsContinue to improve the safety of country roads under the Motorcycle Blackspot Program targeting popular touring routes and specific sites that have particular risks for motorcyclists.

ImprovinglevelcrossingsafetyincountryVictoriaImprove safety at Victoria’s regional level crossings by investing in measures such as the installation of boom barriers and flashing lights.

Using40km/hzonestoimprovepedestrianandcyclistsafetyDevelop guidelines to enable greater use of 40km/h zones where and when the risks of pedestrian or cyclist crashes are high.

EducationTalktheTollDownThe TAC Talk the Toll Down campaign encourages country Victorians to talk about road safety through local newspapers sharing stories of road trauma and highlighting local road safety issues, encouraging regional communities to keep safe and keep each other safe.

HelpingdisadvantagedyoungpeopleincountryVictoriagaincriticaldrivingexperienceThe TAC will continue to fund the L2P learner driver mentor program delivered by VicRoads, which helps learners under 21 years who don’t have a supervising driver or vehicle to gain the driving experience they need to apply for a probationary licence.

EducatingrecreationalandweekendridersDeliver new campaigns on the risks associated with recreational and weekend motorcycle riding in country Victoria and on long route rides.

EnforcementStrengtheningenforcementincountryVictoriaContinue to deliver on the regional Victoria road trauma reduction strategy through more strategic and targeted enforcement of drink driving, expanded roadside drug testing and increased use of speed detection devices.

Whatyoucando } Drive to the speed limit and road conditions. } Don’t drink and drive. } Make sure you are rested before you start a long journey and take a break every two hours.

1819

Roadsandspeedlimits

BackgroundRoad deaths and serious injuries happen most often at intersections and on rural and regional roads with speed limits of 100km/h where a single vehicle runs off the road and collides with a roadside object such as a tree or a pole.

Much of Victoria’s growth is in outer metropolitan Melbourne, and the design of urban environments has a major effect on where and how people travel and therefore on their road safety.

Paths for safe walking and cycling, public transport, local services and amenities reduce the need for car travel, reducing deaths and serious injuries and providing substantial community health benefits.

Whatyoutoldus } New and better infrastructure is needed. } A higher priority should be given to maintenance of regional and rural road infrastructure, including wider shoulder on roads, sealed edge lines, and better line marking.

} Strong support for making roadsides clear of trees and road furniture.

} 76 per cent supported improving the visibility of road signs and making road features less complicated.

} 76 per cent supported increasing the number of separated bike lanes and paths.

WhatweknowworksIn Victoria, there are three common categories of crashes: crashes at intersections, head-on crashes and crashes where vehicles go off the road.

The TAC-funded Safer Roads Infrastructure Program, delivered by VicRoads, has reduced these types of crashes and where work has been done, fatal and serious injury crashes have dropped by an average 36 per cent.

StrategicdirectionIncorporatesafesystemprinciplesintothedesignofroadsandroadsidesandthesettingofspeedlimitsanddevelopinnovativeinfrastructuresolutions.

Whatwe’redoingEngineeringMakingourroadsandroadsidessafer

} Boost expenditure on the Safer Roads Infrastructure Program to $100 million per year over the next ten years, or $1 billion over the life of the strategy.

} Continue to improve the safety of roads under the Motorcycle Blackspot Program targeting popular touring routes and specific sites that have particular risks for motorcyclists.

Roadnetworkmanagement–SmartRoadsThe SmartRoads approach gives different kinds of transport priority on key roads. So while all forms of traffic will be able to use each road, certain routes will be developed to give priority to cars or trucks, or public transport, or pedestrians and cyclists.

Improvinglevelcrossingsafety } Remove the worst level crossings in Melbourne. } Improve safety at Victoria’s regional level crossings by investing in the installation of boom barriers and flashing lights.

WorkingwithdeveloperstoincorporateroadsafetyinthedesignofnewsuburbsanddevelopmentsMake sure that new suburbs are designed with infrastructure that will give people safe travel choices.

ImplementingoutcomesoftheVictorianSpeedLimitReviewWe will simplify speed zones by:

} gradually phasing out 90km/h and 70km/h speed zones;

} removing frequent speed limits changes over short distances; and

} reducing sign clutter on busy roads.Drivers will see fewer speed zones and this will reduce potential confusion and help people drive to the speed limits.

Whatyoucando } Drive to the conditions, so if there are hazards slow down.

} Report hazards where you see them.

2021

Youngdrivers

BackgroundRoad crashes are the single biggest killer of young Victorians aged 18-25 years.

Young drivers make up more than a quarter of all drivers killed in Victoria, yet this age group represents only about 12 per cent of all Victorian licence holders.

Federal Government research found that 80 per cent of 23 and 24 year olds admitted to recently exceeding the speed limit and 55 per cent said they recently used a mobile phone while driving.8

Whatyoutoldus } 92 per cent supported increasing education of young drivers around road safety risks.

} 81 per cent supported increasing policing of unsafe driving behaviour by young drivers.

} 70 per cent support increasing penalties for unsafe driving by young drivers.

WhatweknowworksIn Victoria, new drivers are introduced to driving progressively through the Graduated Licensing System.

The system provides a structured transition as the new driver’s experience and maturity increase. Evaluation of the new Graduated Licensing Scheme is showing it to be highly effectively in bringing down the risks for Victoria’s young drivers with 31 per cent, or 75 fewer first-year drivers, involved in fatal and serious injury crashes per year.

StrategicdirectionContinuetoimprovethesafetyofyoungdriversthroughstrongerenforcement,incentivesandcountermeasuresthattargettheroadsafetyhazardsthatputyoungdriversatparticularrisk.

Whatwe’redoingEducationTargetinginformationtoyoungpeoplelikelytotakehighriskswhenthey’redrivingIdentify young people most likely to engage in high-risk driving behaviour and deliver a supportive education program tailored to their needs that encourages safer driving.

Helpingourchildrenbecomegooddrivers } Make parents and guardians aware of the effects of their role in modelling positive driving for their children.

} Remind parents about how they can continue to help their children remain safe in their first few years of driving.

ReducingdistractionfrompeerpassengersUse youth related education campaigns to raise awareness of the risks associated with distraction from peer passengers.

ExtendingtheFittoDriveprogramtobeavailableinallschoolsinVictoriaFit to Drive is a community program for young people that concentrates on personal safety and responsibility giving them strategies to make them safer on the road. The program actively encourages and empowers young people as road users to look after themselves and their friends.

TargetingthosewithahistoryofoffendingDevelop a Fit to Drive program for young offenders and young people at risk of traffic offences.

HelpingyoungdisadvantagedVictoriansgaincriticaldrivingexperienceThe TAC will continue to fund the L2P learner driver mentor program delivered by VicRoads, which helps learners under 21 years who don’t have a supervising driver or vehicle to gain the driving experience they need to apply for a probationary licence.

EnforcementExtendingthebanonmobilephoneuseWe will extend the ban on mobile phones from probationary P1 drivers to P2 drivers.

Currently, only P1 drivers (first year probationary drivers) must not use a mobile phone while driving, including hands-free devices, while P2 drivers have been permitted to use hands-free devices.

Whatyoungdriverscando } Don’t have your party in the car – keep the distractions like music and chatting down so you can concentrate.

} Drive the safest car you can afford. Check howsafeisyourcar.com and the first car buyers list for young people.

} Drive within the speed limit. } Don’t drink and drive when you come off your Ps. } Take it easy when you first get your Ps, build up to long distances and late night driving.

} Leave the phone alone – don’t talk, text or surf the Net while driving.

Whatparentsandguardianscando

} Make sure they have safe transport, and consider still picking them up from parties yourself even though they have a licence.

} Talk to kids about staying safe on the roads and model safe driving habits by driving to and obeying all road rules.

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Olderroadusers

BackgroundCurrently, drivers aged 75 years and above have a higher risk of dying in a crash than any other age group when the relatively short distances they travel are taken into account.

With the number of Victorians aged 75 years and above forecast to increase by 42 per cent by 2022, improving the ability of older Victorians to get around safely is a vitally important community health issue.9

Whatyoutoldus } 85 per cent of survey respondents supported educating older drivers on how to assess if they’re safe to continue driving.

} 85 per cent of survey respondents supported providing more alternative transport options for older people.

} 76 per cent of survey respondents supported improving the visibility of road signs and making road features less complicated.

StrategicdirectionSupportthesafemobilityofallolderpeoplethroughinformationtosupportsafetravelchoicesandbyimprovinginfrastructuredesignforolderdriversandpedestrians.

WhatweknowworksIn 2003, the Victorian Parliamentary Road Safety Committee conducted an Inquiry into Road Safety for Older Road Users and recommended that age-based assessment not be introduced as it does not lead to improved road safety outcomes.

Recent research supports this recommendation as it shows that Victorian older drivers are at least as safe as drivers in other Australian states or territories where there is some form of age-based assessment.

Whatwe’redoingEngineeringReducingthecomplexityoftheroadenvironment

} Simplify Victoria’s road environment with less complex intersections and improved road signage.

} Clearer signs at major intersections and on major routes to give older drivers advanced warning to make manoeuvring decisions.

EducationLettingpeopleknowaboutwhatwillkeepthemsafeTarget older drivers, their friends, family and medical practitioners with information like the Victorian Older Drivers’ handbook and the SafeDrive seminar program, to help older drivers make good decisions about how they get around.

Whatolderdriverscando } Do your health checks regularly to make sure that your eyes, mind and ears are in good shape for safe driving.

} Drive the safest car you can afford with side air bags if possible.

Whatfamiliesandfriendscando

} Talk with older drivers that you know to see whether they’re keeping up their health checks.

} Report to VicRoads any serious or chronic medical condition or disability that can affect driving.

Motorcyclists

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BackgroundDespite the growth in the numbers of motorcycles and scooters over the last decade, Victoria maintains the lowest fatality rate per registration of any Australian State. However motorcyclists still account for 16 per cent of deaths on our roads.

Learner and first year licensed riders account for nearly one third of motorcyclists’ fatal and serious injury crashes in Victoria, so rider inexperience is a major contributor to road trauma.

Almost half of TAC motorcyclist claims include injury to legs and feet. Legs are the most frequently injured body part in motorcycle claims.

Whatyoutoldus } 80 per cent supported improving education about sharing the road with motorcyclists.

} 79 per cent supported increasing policing of unsafe behaviour by motorcyclists.

} 77 per cent supported a requirement for motorcyclists to wear protective clothing

} 68 per cent of survey respondents supported a requirement for motorcycles to have the same level of identification as other vehicles.

WhatweknowworksAnti-Lock Braking System (ABS) technology has the potential to significantly reduce serious motorcycle crashes, particularly at intersections.

Research shows that the overall effectiveness of ABS was 38 per cent on all crashes with injuries and 48 per cent on all severe and fatal crashes.

A recent study conducted in Australia showed that motorcyclists were 21 per cent less likely to be admitted to hospital if they crashed while wearing motorcycle jackets, and the risk reduced further if they were also wearing motorcycle pants (51 per cent) or gloves.10

Wearing boots (not necessarily motorcycle boots) was associated with a 53 per cent reduced risk of any injury compared to shoes or joggers.

StrategicdirectionMakegreateruseofmotorcyclesafetytechnologyandprotectiveclothing.Betterpreparenewriderstobesafeandtargetenforcementofunsaferoaduseamongallmotorists.

Whatwe’redoingEngineeringImprovingroadandroadsideinfrastructureformotorcyclistsContinue to improve our roads under the Motorcycle Blackspot Program, targeting popular touring routes and specific sites that have particular risks for motorcyclists.

AdvocatingforanAustralianDesignRuleforAnti-lockBrakingSystems(ABS)onnewmotorcyclesVictoria will encourage the Federal Government to introduce an Australian Design Rule for ABS to be fitted on all new motorcycles sold in Australia.

EducationImprovingtrainingformotorcyclistsIntroduce a graduated licensing system for motorcyclists to help beginners develop critical riding skills under safe conditions.

EducationandmediacampaignstargetingallroadusersContinue the ‘put yourself in their shoes’ campaign that highlights risks and actions for both drivers and riders in sharing the road together.

Promotingthebenefitsofprotectiveclothing

} Develop new education materials that highlight to motorcyclists the benefits of wearing protective clothing.

} Introduce a mandatory requirement for motorcyclists to wear boots that are at least ankle high to better protect them.

EducatingrecreationalandweekendridersDeliver new campaigns on the risks associated with recreational and weekend riding in country Victoria and on long route rides.

EnforcementReducingspeedingamongmotorcyclistsWork towards resolving the current inequity that exists between motorcyclists and other road users where motorcyclists are not detected when committing traffic offences due to the lack of a front number plate.

Whatmotorcyclistscando } Wear a full range of protective clothing, especially boots every time you ride.

} Make yourself visible by wearing light coloured or reflective gear.

} Make sure your next bike has an anti-lock braking system (ABS).

} Ride within the speed limit.

WhatdriverscandoTake your time, especially at intersections, to check for motorcyclists.

Unlicenseddrivers

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BackgroundUnlicensed drivers and riders are involved in approximately eight per cent of all fatal crashes. Unlicensed drivers include people who have not yet obtained a licence and people who have had their licence suspended.

Unlicensed drivers and riders operate outside of the licensing system and pose a safety risk to other road users.

Based on research undertaken in Australia, the UK and USA, it is estimated that between 25 per cent and 75 per cent of unlicensed drivers continue to drive.11

Given the over-representation of unlicensed drivers in road crashes, we can achieve very large road safety gains by keeping unlicensed drivers off the roads.

WhatweknowworksEnforcement technologies such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) Systems are highly effective in detecting unlicensed drivers and unregistered vehicles. ANPR also provides a strong deterrent to those contemplating driving whilst unlicensed.

StrategicdirectionRemoveunlicenseddriversfromourroadsthroughtargeted,technology-drivenenforcement.

Whatwe’redoingEngineeringTechnologytopreventanunlicenseddriverfromdrivingInvestigate the feasibility of technology that will link driver licences with a vehicle, allowing only licensed drivers to operate a vehicle.

EnforcementIntroducingarequirementforallVictoriandrivers/riderstocarryacurrentdriver’slicenceRequire all drivers and motorbike riders to carry their licence when they’re on the roads, rather than our current seven-day provision for drivers to present their licence to a police station.

IncreasingtheabilitytodetectunlicenseddriversTrial mobile Automatic Number Plate Recognition Systems (ANPR) that will detect unlicensed and unregistered vehicles while they are on the move.

WhatyoucandoDon’t get in a car with an unlicensed driver.

The number of trucks on Victoria’s roads is projected to double by 2025.

Trucks

BackgroundTrucks are involved in 16 per cent of fatal crashes.

The number of trucks on Victoria’s roads is projected to double by 2025.12

In targeted operations by Victoria Police, an average of one in 11 truck drivers returned a positive test to illicit drugs.

Whatyoutoldus } 85 per cent agreed with increasing policing of heavy vehicle driver road behaviour (such as tailgating).

} 84 per cent agreed with increasing driver education about sharing the road with trucks.

} 82 per cent agreed with increasing road safety education for truck drivers.

} 82 per cent supported a requirement for heavy vehicles to be fitted with devices that can detect fatigue.

WhatweknowworksNearly half of all truck drivers killed over the last three years were not wearing a seatbelt.

Wearing a seatbelt doubles your chances of surviving a serious crash, yet despite the benefits shown by road safety research time and time again, too many people do not take the time to put their seatbelt on.

StrategicdirectionSafelyaccommodatetheincreaseintrucksonVictoria’sroadsusingtechnologyandeffectivemanagementofVictoria’sroadnetwork.Introduceinitiativestoencourageeverybodytosharetheroadsafely.

Whatwe’redoingEngineeringRoadnetworkmanagement–SmartRoadsContinue developing the SmartRoads approach, which gives trucks and cars priority on key transport routes and gives public transport, pedestrians and cyclists priority on others. This reduces the amount of interaction between trucks and the most vulnerable groups.

ReducingfatigueddrivingamongheavyvehicledriversTrial fatigue detection technology for truck drivers to determine the safety benefits of this technology.

EncouraginguptakeoftrucksafetyfeaturesContinue to promote the uptake of proven truck safety features, such as advanced braking technology, lane departure warning technology and seatbelt reminder systems.

Object detection and warning technology has great potential to help truck drivers detect other road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

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EducationInformingpeopleaboutsharingtheroadwithtrucksContinue education programs such as the Road to Respect campaign, which encourages both truck and car drivers to recognise that each have a role to play in sharing the road safely.

Develop a campaign to improve seatbelt wearing by heavy vehicle drivers.

EnforcementStrengtheningandenforcingtailgatinglawsDevelop new legislation and trial new technology to allow greater enforcement of tailgating by all vehicles including trucks at high risk locations such as tunnels.

IncreasingdrugtestingoftruckdriversIncrease drug testing of heavy vehicle drivers targeting primary freight routes.

Whattruckdriverscando } Always wear your seatbelt } Drive a truck with the latest safety technology like Emergency Brake Assist.

} Don’t drive when you’re tired – take rest breaks. } Don’t take drugs and drive. } Don’t tailgate.

Whatotherroaduserscando } Leave enough braking space, trucks need extra space to stop.

} Be aware that truck drivers cannot always see you – particularly cyclists and pedestrians.

Vehiclesafety

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BackgroundAll new cars sold in Australia must meet minimum safety standards. On top of this, the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), Australasia’s leading independent vehicle safety advocate that gives people advice on car safety through its safety rating program, recommends buying cars with 5-star safety ratings.

Seventy-five per cent of new cars registered in Victoria last year had a 5-star safety rating.

On average, people involved in crashes with vehicles made in 2007 are half as likely to die or be seriously injured as those in vehicles made in 1987.13

Recent Victorian research shows that side airbag systems are highly effective in preventing death and injury in side impact crashes. It also showed a 51 per cent reduction of injury to all areas of the body.14

Whatyoutoldusyouwanted } 82 per cent supported encouraging car manufacturers to incorporate all available safety technologies into their Australian models.

} 79 per cent supported giving people incentives to encourage them to buy cars with high safety ratings, especially younger drivers.

} 73 per cent supported encouraging fleet owners to buy cars with a 5-star safety rating.

WhatweknowworksDriving a 5-star safety rated car can significantly reduce death and serious injury.

Electronic Stability Control, one of the key mandatory features of a 5-star safety rating, reduces the incidence of a single vehicle crash by 29 per cent.

StrategicdirectionIncreasetheavailabilityofvehiclesafetyfeaturesintheVictoriancarmarketandencouragetheuptakeofthesefeatures.

Whatwe’redoingEngineeringIncreasingthesafetystandardsofnewVictorianGovernmentpassengervehiclesMake sure that all new light passenger vehicles bought for Victorian Government use have a 5-star Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) safety rating.

Triallingin-vehiclewarningsdevicesthatalertdriversofapproachinghazardsTrial in-vehicle warning devices to alert drivers of approaching hazards, such as trains approaching level crossings.

EducationHowsafeisyourcar.comContinue to give people independent information about the safety of new cars based on results from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) and used cars from the Used Car Safety Ratings, which analyse real world crash data.

Providingadviceforyoungerandolderdrivers

} Continue to update and promote the first car buyers list, which has been especially designed for young people who are thinking about buying their first car.

} Give older drivers information to consider important safety features when buying a car, such as head-protecting airbags and features that make driving easier and more comfortable - especially important in the case of older drivers.

WhatyoucandoDrive the safest car you can afford, ideally a 5-star safety rated vehicle.

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Endnotes1 Coroners Prevention Unit (2012), Presence of alcohol and

drugs amongst deaths from on-road transport crashes in Victoria 1 January 2008 – 31 December 2011. Melbourne, Coroners Court of Victoria.

2 Ibid.3 E Ogden, C Morris, T Frederiksen, C Stough, R King,

Do minor tranquilisers (benzodiazepines) increase risk of collision in which the driver is injured, Australasian Road Safety Research, Policing and Education Conference, Perth, 2011.

4 Ibid.5 Carsten,O. and Tate, F. ‘Intelligent speed adaptation:

accident savings and cost–benefit analysis’.Accident Analysis & Prevention 37 (2005), Elsevier Ltd, Amsterdam.

6 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, ‘New data from Virginia Tech Transportation Institute provides insight into cell phone use and driving distraction’, viewed November 2012, http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2009/07/2009-571.html

7 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, ‘Transportation Institute releases findings on driver behavior and crash factors’, viewed November 2012, http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2006/04/2006-237.html

8 Vassallo, S., Smart, D., Cockfield, S., Gunatillake, T., Harris, A.,& Harrison, W. (2010). In the driver’s seat II: Beyond the early driving years, (Research Report No.17). Melbourne: Australian Institute of Family Studies.

9 Department of Planning and Community Development, Victoria in future 2012: Population and household projections for Victoria and its regions 2011-2031, Victorian Government, Melbourne, 2012.

10 L de Rome, R Ivers, M Fitzharris, W Du, N Haworth, S Heritier, D Richardson, ‘Motorcycle protective clothing: protection from injury or just the weather?’ Accident Analysis & Prevention, vol. 43, iss. 6, Elsevier Ltd, Amsterdam, 2011.

11 Watson, B., Methodological problems associated with surveying unlicensed drivers, in Proceedings of the 1998 Road Safety Research, Policing and Education Conference, Wellington, New Zealand.

12 Department of Transport (DoT), Freight Future: Victorian Freight Network Strategy, DoT, Melbourne, December 2008.

13 R Cook, Best practice road safety initiatives in Australia, keynote address, Australasian Road Safety Research, Policing and Education Conference, Canberra, September 2010.

14 D’Elia, A., Scully, J. & Newstead,S. Evaluation of Vehicle Side Airbag System Effectiveness, Monash University Accident Research Centre, Melbourne, 2012.

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For this document and current road safety information visit roadsafety.vic.gov.au