RAC is appealing to drivers to ditch the distraction, and practice patience – with mobile phone use, tailgating and aggression identified as major behavioural issues putting lives at risk on WA roads.
According to a 2022 RAC member survey, some risky habits are becoming more common - with a survey of more than 300 drivers revealing they had witnessed other road users:- Tailgating, or following too close behind (92%) (compared with 87% in 2021)
- Using their mobile phones without handsfree (85%) (compared with 79% in 2021)
- Travelling far above the speed limit (84%) (compared with 75% in 2021)
- Being aggressive (80%) (compared with 69% in 2021)
This week marks National Road Safety Week (15-22 May), an annual initiative which highlights the impact of road trauma across our communities and pays tribute to those who have lost their lives on our roads.
RAC General Manager External Relations Will Golsby says it’s a crucial time for West Australians to reflect on their habits behind the wheel.
“Driver behaviour such as inattention, speeding and impaired driving are significant causes of road trauma,” Mr Golsby said.
“All road users, whether driving, riding or walking, have a responsibility to use roads, shared paths, and footpaths legally and responsibly, showing respect for each other.”
“We all need to drive, so others survive.”
An unforgivably high number of people continue to be killed on WA roads every day. From 2017-2021, on average, 161 people were killed each year - so far in 2022, there have been more than 50 fatalities on WA roads.
“Our research has found community acceptance of risky driving behaviour has fallen over time, but there are still too many people using poor judgement, which can have tragic, lifelong consequences,” Mr Golsby said.
“Deaths and serious injuries on our roads are more than just numbers — they are real people with families and friends who are suffering.”
“This National Road Safety Week is an opportunity to reflect on the widespread and devastating impact of road trauma, and the actions we can each take to make our roads safer.”
National Road Safety Week was created by the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group and is supported by RAC. To get involved, make a pledge to 'Drive So Others Survive'.
ENDS
Media contact: RAC Media Team, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
