RAC General Manager Corporate Affairs Will Golsby said the list of top five areas where drivers need more education is a useful starting point for the State Government to direct funding from the Road Trauma Trust Account.
“The majority of respondents (76 per cent) identified merging/giving way as the area they want more driver education, with one in five (18 per cent) admitting they are unsure of how to correctly give way themselves,” Mr Golsby said.
“Almost half (44 per cent) said they believe other drivers don’t know how to merge properly.
“The second most nominated area was how to use roundabouts, with 62 per cent saying more guidance is needed in this area. Half of respondents (53 per cent) said other drivers don’t know how to use roundabouts correctly, and one in three (34 per cent) even admitted to not knowing how to use them themselves.
“Mobile phone use behind the wheel was the third-most nominated area where more education is needed.
“Changing lanes was fourth, nominated by almost half (45 per cent) of respondents; with a further quarter saying other drivers don’t know how to indicate properly.
“Speeding was the fifth most nominated area, with a third of respondents saying more driver education is required in regards to sticking to speed limits. Another 20 per cent said other drivers don’t understand laws around speeding. This was particularly troubling given WA currently has the worst road fatality rate of any State, with speeding the leading cause of fatal crashes.
“What these results show us is that when it comes to understanding road rules and laws, WA drivers are not confident in the level of education provided to them and their fellow motorists.
“While this is somewhat alarming, these results provide community feedback for the State Government to invest in more driver education in the State Budget.
“The community is openly telling us there is a strong need for more education and awareness on the dangers of speeding, and this should be a priority for the Road Trauma Trust Account.
“Tackling our State’s tragic road toll and the thousands of serious injuries every year is crucial, and driver education is a critical part of that.
“RAC looks forward to seeing how the State Government will direct RTTA funds in the State Budget on 7 September.”
TOP FIVE AREAS WHERE MORE EDUCATION IS NEEDED:
1. Giving way / merging (76 per cent)
2. Using roundabouts (62 per cent)
3. Mobile phone use while driving (59 per cent)
4. Changing lanes (45 per cent)
5. Speeding (31 per cent)
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