Dangerous road behaviour resulting from COVID-19

Motorists are treating Australia’s empty roads and minimal congestion as a free-for-all, according to the Australian Road Safety Foundation’s (ARSF) latest research.

A survey conducted by the foundation shows one in four drivers have admitted to taking increased road risks since the implementation of COVID-19 lockdowns.

It’s a frightening statistic, says the ARSF, “likely driven by the fact that two thirds of Australians believe the roads are safer right now”.

According to the report, four in five Australians have also admitted to breaking a road law during lockdown, with areas of increased illegal activity behind the wheel including speeding (up 17%), using a mobile device (up 9%) and drink driving (up 3%).

Other shocking takeouts from the research are that risky behaviour increases by 62 per cent when driving solo and only seven per cent of drivers think about the safety of other road users when driving.

And, according to the research, not even having a child in the car is a deterrent, with 29 per cent admitting they continue to speed, use their phone and drive distracted with kids in the car.

It’s not all doom and gloom, however, with figures this week showing the nation’s lowest road toll in five years was recorded in the 12 months to March.

Aussie race car driver and ARSF ambassador Craig Lowndes said every road user is armed with the choice to make the right decisions behind the wheel.

“Now is not the time to relax,” said Lowndes.

“The stark reality is that any time you take a risk behind the wheel, you are putting the lives of every motorist, passenger, cyclist and pedestrian around you at risk. Together, we can save precious lives on our roads.”

ARSF chief executive Russell White said there’s no excuse to be taking risks on or around the roads, and that road trauma is largely preventable.

“While our incredible frontline medical and emergency services are already working harder than ever, is that text message or few extra minutes worth adding extra pressure on these resources?” said White.