General News
17 June, 2025
Speeding targeted in new campaign
A new campaign targeting speed, created in partnership with Crime Stoppers Victoria and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and supported by Victoria Police, has been launched.
Encouraging drivers to slow down on the road, 'Brake the Habit' illuminates the tragic role speeding can play in accidents.
Even at low levels, speeding continues to play a significant role in road trauma across the state, contributing to at least 25 per cent of serious injury crashes and 30 per cent of fatal crashes.
Division four Superintendent Sharon McCrory said the last few weeks of road fatalities should show speeding and road safety can affect lives.
"It's avoidable carnage," Supt McCrory said.
"You never know what will happen.
"Even travelling at the speed limit can be dangerous."
A community engagement and social acceptability research survey conducted by the TAC found that one in three young Victorians, aged 21-25, sayid they routinely sped 5km/h or more over the limit.
This was more than double the statewide average of all drivers.
TAC CEO Tracey Slatter said young drivers’ growing complacency towards speeding in Victoria was concerning.
“Speeding, even at a low level, is dangerous – it increases both the likelihood of crashing and the severity of the crash outcome," Ms Slatter said.
“Young drivers are by definition less experienced so taking risks with speeding can have tragic consequences."
The survey findings showed drivers usually sped because they were running late and wanted to make up time.
TAC recommends planning journeys ahead of time, leaving on time and allowing plenty of driving time to stick within the limit.
“We’re calling on all Victorians to slow down and drive to the conditions,” Ms Slatter said.
Other actions such as setting cruise control and staying alert to changing speed zones (particularly in residential streets and built-up areas) can also contribute to safer driving behaviours on our roads.
Supt McCrory told community members to take responsibility for their actions.
"You have to be so attentive and have no distractions," she said.
Speeding by less than 10km/h can result in a $247 fine and one demerit point while exceeding the speed limit by 10-24km/h can result in a $395 fine and three demerit points.