Over 90% of Australian households have at least one car and more than 65% of people drive to work, according to the 2021 census. Most road users get into a vehicle thinking that they’ll get from A to B without any difficulties, but accidents can happen to anyone. More than 90% of crashes are caused by driver errors, so what kinds of mistakes are people making and how can we make the roads safer? In this guide, we’ll explore the most common causes of collisions and outline simple rules to lower the risk of injuries and fatalities.
What are the most common causes of road accidents in Australia?
Did you know that there were more than 1,200 deaths on Australian roads in 2021/2022? There are several possible causes of collisions and crashes, but the statistics highlight five main risk factors. These include:
Driving tired
According to the National Road Safety Partnership Program (NRSPP), fatigue is the driving factor behind approximately 25% of fatal crashes. Tiredness impacts drivers in multiple ways. Firstly, their reaction times increase, which means that they may not be able to respond quickly enough to hazards. Secondly, fatigue and exhaustion make it more difficult to focus and maintain high levels of concentration. Tired drivers are less alert. Thirdly, there is a risk of a driver who hasn’t slept falling asleep at the wheel. This can have devastating consequences for the individual, their passengers and other road users.
Australia is a vast nation, which means that driving long distances is commonplace. If you are planning a road trip, or you’ve decided to drive to see relatives or get to a meeting instead of flying or taking the train or a coach, it’s essential to get plenty of rest. Pinpoint places to stop and take a nap along the route, avoid driving for long periods without taking a break and swap drivers frequently if possible. Avoid driving very late at night or during the early hours when you would ordinarily be asleep.
If you start to feel drowsy or tired when you are driving, err on the side of caution. Put the windows down and get some fresh air and stop when it’s safe to do so. Take a nap, have a coffee and stretch your legs. It’s always better to take a break and delay the journey slightly than to drive on knowing that you’re exhausted. Tired driving accounts for four times the number of fatalities than drink driving.
Speeding
Speeding is the most common cause of major accidents in Australia. NRSPP statistics show that driving at high speeds is a contributing factor in almost a third of fatal accidents. When you drive fast, it’s more difficult to control the vehicle and you have less time to make decisions and take action if you detect danger or you need to change course. If you’re driving at 90 km/h, for example, the risk of being involved in a serious collision is much higher than when driving at 40 km/h. Research shows that for every 5 km/h above 60 km/h, the risk of crashing increases by 50%.
Speeding is very common in Australia. A survey published in 2021 revealed that almost half of drivers exceeded the speed limit. Speeding is not only a major risk factor for crashes and collisions, but it’s also illegal. If you cause a crash as a result of careless or dangerous driving, for example, going over the speed limit, you will be held liable for the accident. You could face charges and other people involved in the accident could seek advice from a car accident lawyer. Always check the speed limit and make sure you’re not driving too fast. Putting your foot down may seem like fun at the time, but it could have very serious implications for your health and safety and put others at risk.
Speed restrictions are there to encourage drivers to stick to a maximum speed, but you may need to lower your speed in certain scenarios. Drive with the conditions in mind. If it’s raining heavily, for example, or the roads are icy or visibility is limited, slow down and increase your stopping distance. You’ll also need to reduce your speed if you’re stuck in traffic or there is an obstruction in the road.
Driving under the influence
Driving under the influence of drink and drugs puts all road users at risk. Alcohol affects your judgement, reaction times and alertness and it can also contribute to a loss of focus and control. If you drive after drinking, you may also take risks that you would never even entertain if you were sober. Many people who get behind the wheel after a drink may think that they are absolutely fine, but sadly, the effects of drinking become visible when it’s too late. In Australia, alcohol is involved in around 30% of fatal incidents.
Drinking alcohol is not illegal if you’re over the legal age, but drinking and driving is an offence. If you want to have a beer, or you’re going out for the night and you decide to drink, don’t drive. Book a cab, get a lift off a friend from a family member who isn’t drinking or use public transport. If you are involved in a crash and you’re over the legal blood alcohol limit, you will face further action.
Alcohol is not the only substance that can impact safety on the roads. Driving under the influence of drugs is another risk factor. A survey conducted in Victoria showed that 25% of people who use drugs have driven while under the influence. The most common drugs detected include cannabis and stimulants. In addition to illegal drugs, it’s also important to consider the effects of prescription medicines. Some drugs have side effects, such as drowsiness, which impair driving abilities. Drivers should check the information leaflet or seek advice from their doctor or a pharmacist before driving.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving is an increasingly common problem, especially among younger drivers. Many of us are used to multitasking in our daily lives. We scroll through social media while the TV is on, we make calls while we’re looking at computer screens and we send messages while we’re talking. Technology has incredible benefits for the safety of road users, but it can also be problematic. Some people are glued to their phones all the time and the way we work has changed. It’s not unusual to get work emails after 5 pm or to take calls on the way to the office. If you are driving, it’s crucial to understand the impact of distractions. While you’re in the car, your hands should be firmly on the wheel and your eyes focused on the road ahead. If you’re typing messages or reading emails, the risk of being involved in an accident will skyrocket. In addition to using phones, it’s wise to avoid distractions including talking to people, adjusting audio and visual controls and media, looking at things that are happening away from the road and adjusting a sat nav system.
Distracted driving is dangerous because it affects your ability to react rapidly. If you’re looking at your phone and the car in front stops suddenly, you might not be able to slam your brakes on fast enough to prevent your vehicle from crashing into it. If you’re sending a text and a dog or a child runs out in front of your car, you may not be able to steer your car to safety. Always concentrate on the road around you and try to preempt hazards and respond as quickly as possible. Make use of technology that is designed to enhance safety. Give voice commands to send messages and make calls or use a headset.
Wearing a seat belt
Wearing a seat belt won’t stop you from crashing, but it can make the difference between life and death if you do collide with another vehicle or lose control of your car. Seat belts are designed to restrain you and reduce the risk of serious, life-threatening injuries. They prevent you from being flung out of the vehicle and they can also lower risks of major injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and spinal injuries. Using a seat belt can reduce the risk of fatal injuries by up to 50%. It’s critical to wear a seat belt no matter how far you’re travelling or where you’re going. Even if you’re only driving a mile up the road, you should always do your belt up before you set off. Drivers should also encourage passengers to wear their belts.
More than 1,200 people lose their lives in road accidents in Australia every year. Over 90% of crashes occur as a result of driver errors. The most common causes of serious collisions include speeding, distracted driving, tiredness and driving under the influence of alcohol. If you’re driving, always pay attention to speed restrictions and warning signs, abide by the rules of the road and remember that you are responsible for your own safety as well as that of other road users.