WA drivers ignore road safety messages
29/05/2009
SGIO research* has revealed WA drivers are more likely to admit to speeding than drivers in the eastern states, despite persistent road safety warnings.
According to the insurer, nearly three quarters of WA drivers (71 per cent) still admit to speeding, compared with 59 per cent of drivers nation-wide.
SGIO State Manager Colin Tierney said the results were of a concern with speeding generally considered to be the biggest problem on WA roads.
“It’s a concern that many drivers are deliberately ignoring road safety messages and put their own lives and those of passengers and other road users at risk,” said Mr Tierney.
“SGIO encourages WA motorists – males and females – to abide by the speed limits at all times as they exist for a very good reason.”
According to the survey males (64 per cent) are more likely to speed than females (54 per cent). Males are also more likely to make an illegal U-turn, turn right at a no right-hand turn intersection and run a red light.
Mr Tierney said “it was safe to do so” (25 per cent) was the most common reason given for speeding, followed by drivers admitting that they “lose concentration” (21 per cent).
“Unfortunately many drivers in WA still believe that it can be safe to speed, but the reality is that this isn’t the case,” Mr Tierney said.
“By speeding we always increase our stopping distance and therefore multiply the likelihood of having a collision, so we need to be aware not only of our own abilities, but also of the capabilities of our vehicles.”
The survey revealed few differences in driver age, with 63 per cent of 16-29 year olds, 65 per cent of 30-49 year olds and 51 per cent of those over 50 admitting to speeding.
For more information on road safety, visit www.sgio.com.au/roadsafety