OPERATION Safe Speed began this morning, with police targeting speeding drivers and drivers who creep over the speed limit.
Traffic Support Branch Officer in Charge Superintendent Anthony Fioravanti said speeding was a widespread problem and this weekend police were boosting speed detection activity to crack down on speedsters.
“During Operation Safe Speed in July this year, 1,054 drivers were fined or cautioned for speeding,” he said.
“This represents a 184 per cent increase in detections during a focused operation, as police increase speed detection duties during these operations. Drivers should be well aware that speeding is on our radar this weekend.”
Superintendent Fioravanti said 2016 police data shows an average of 18.2 per cent of vehicles exceeded the speed limit on 60km/h metropolitan roads and an average of 21.9 per cent of vehicles exceeded the speed limit on 110km/h rural roads.
“These are significant numbers, highlighting the fact that many drivers are choosing to ignore speed limits,” he said.
“This attitude is concerning, as crash data shows that speeding was a contributing factor in 25 per cent of fatal crashes.
“Information about the dangers of speeding has been widely publicised for many years – every driver is aware of their responsibilities to drive within the speed limits.
“When drivers choose to speed, they are choosing to ignore the safety of other road users and, in the worst case situation, they are choosing to cause harm.
“Drivers who creep a few kilometres over speed limits often say they were unaware they had crept a bit over. The police message to these drivers is that if you are not capable of staying aware of your speed, please don’t drive.
“Our community cannot afford to have “unaware” drivers behind the wheel – the safety risk is too great.
“The risk of a casualty crash approximately doubles with each 5km/h increase in speed on a 60km/h speed limited road, or with each 10km/h increase in speed on 110km/h roads.
“Research suggests a reduction of 5 km/h in average travel speed would reduce rural casualty crashes by about 30 per cent and urban crashes by about 25 per cent.
“So slow down – choose to drive according to the speed limit and road conditions – it’s the only choice you can make.”
Operation Safe Speed October 2017 commenced just after midnight this morning and will run until midnight on Sunday.
This operation will include an education focus, reminding drivers of the hazards of creeping and speeding over the legal limit. A brochure produced by the Motor Accident Commission will be provided to all drivers police speak to over the weekend to help reinforce safety messages.
