Shocking number of drivers admit to speeding

RACQ’s 2020 Annual Road Safety Survey found, regardless of age or location, speeding was the most common fatal five behaviour engaged in by Queensland drivers.

Club spokesperson Lauren Ritchie said 88 percent of young drivers aged 18 to 24 years old admitted to speeding, and as many as 75 percent of drivers aged 25 to 34 and 35 to 44 years old confessed to the potentially deadly behaviour.

“It doesn’t matter what age you are, how experienced you are, where you’re travelling or at what time, speeding is dangerous,” Ms Ritchie said.

“The State’s road toll is now at 183 compared to 151 at the same time last year and we want to help prevent any more lives being lost.

“Motorists need to wake up and realise that by breaking a basic road rule like speeding you’re risking killing yourself, your family and endangering the lives of everyone else on the road.

“Due to border restrictions, Queensland roads are expected to be particularly busy over the next few weeks during the school holidays with many families exploring their own backyard, so there’s never been a more important time to slow down.”

Ms Ritchie said concerningly more than one third of drivers admitted to generally maintaining a speed above the speed limit on freeways and highways.

“Just because freeways and highways are often some of our better-quality roads, it doesn’t mean the speed limit is optional,” she said.

“The majority of people claimed they were speeding to keep up with traffic, frustrated with slow drivers and thinking they needed to reach their destination quicker. None of those excuses will save you if you’re in a crash.

“So, we’re pleading with drivers to slow down, pack your patience, don’t become frustrated and remember reaching your holiday destination safely is the most important thing.”