The Road Safety Advisory Council is urging Tasmanians to consider the cost of speeding, as research reveals an increase in the number of people who ignore the risks.
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Findings from the council's six-monthly road safety pulse check survey, which surveys Tasmanians on their road safety behaviours and attitudes, has revealed more than half of Tasmanian motorists self-reported intentional speeding.
The results showed a slight increase in respondents who admitted to driving up to 10 kilometres per hour over the posted speed limit (58 per cent in September versus 52 per cent in March).
The council's chair Scott Tilyard said whilst many Tasmanians do the right thing, it is unacceptable that there is still a significant number of people who willingly put themselves and others at risk.
"It is deeply concerning to see so many lives being lost on our roads, and we can't sit by and accept it," he said.
"We are pleading with everyone to obey speed limits and drive according to the conditions.
"If you think going just a little bit over the speed limit is safe, think again.
"The evidence is clear that even small increases in speed can make a big difference in how seriously we are injured in a crash, or whether we survive at all.
"We now have mobile speed cameras in operation around the state, so for those who persist in this type of risk-taking behaviour, my message is that you are much more likely to get caught than ever before."
The findings came just after the council launched the second wave of their Over is Over speeding campaign, in a bid to reduce the number of people being killed and seriously injured due to speed on our roads.
"Tragically, so far this year, 50 people have been killed on Tasmania's roads, compared to 31 at the same time last year," Mr Tillyard said.
"The campaign supports the introduction of mobile speed cameras and challenges road users to rethink their attitudes to speeding and remind people that if they speed, they will get caught."
Other key findings revealed in September's road safety pulse check survey, which received 500 responses, included:
- A quarter of respondents had used their phone illegally while driving in the preceding twelve months.
- Eight per cent had not worn their seatbelt.
- Six per cent had driven when they knew or thought they were over the legal blood alcohol limit.