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Support for greater safety focus on trucks, drug driving

Early results from Victorian road safety survey reveal public concern over trucks, drugs and signage visibility

September 13, 2012

More than 8,000 people have responded to the Victorian Government’s Road Safety Survey a week since its launch, with strong support shown for more action on drug driving and heavy vehicles.

The online survey, which is open for feedback for another three weeks, will be used for the Government’s new 10-year Road Safety Strategy to reduce road trauma and improve the safety of the road network.

The preliminary results show an interest in improving visibility of road signs and making road features less complicated to better support older drivers, it says.

Respondents have also expressed support for increased action on drink driving but not for a reduced alcohol limit.

The survey shows that one in three truck crashes are estimated to involve fatigue, compared with one in six for other fatal road accidents.

According to Victoria Police:

  • Sixteen percent of drivers who tested positive for drug driving in 2010 were truck drivers
  • More than 50 percent of trucks drivers in the last three years did not wear a seatbelt
  • Some 16 percent of drivers who tested positive for drug driving in 2010 were truck drivers.

The survey is asking for suggestions about ways to reduce crashes involving trucks and whether a specific speed limit should be set for the transport industry.

Respondents are also asked to have a say on how the corporate sector can help improve the safety of their employees while on the road and whether it should be encouraged to develop and enforce safe driving policies to help the community reduce road trauma.

Deputy Premier and Police Minister Peter Ryan says the new Ministerial Council on Road Safety will consider feedback from the survey as part of the development of the strategy.

Over 6,400 men and 1,900 women have completed the survey so far.

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