Thirty percent of truck drivers are travelling beyond the speed limit, according to a new survey of driver attitudes
By Ruza Zivkusic-Aftasi | February 13, 2012
Thirty percent of truck drivers are travelling beyond the speed limit, according to a new survey of driver attitudes.
The 2011 Survey of Community Attitudes to Road Safety also shows 1 percent of heavy vehicle drivers surveyed increased their speed over the last two years.
Almost 20 per cent reported falling asleep while driving, while 60 percent say they have used a mobile phone while driving.
The survey says the reported level of usage has stabilised since 2008.
The survey shows 28 percent of truck drivers will support the introduction of a new law banning the use of hand-free mobile phones while driving.
More than half believe talking on a mobile phone while driving increases chances of having an accident. Ninety-four percent say that they always wear a seatbelt at the front seat.
Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport Catherine King says the survey paints a complex picture of the community’s relationship with road safety.
“The findings suggest that Australians generally have good awareness of the major factors involved in road crashes, such as speeding, drink driving, lack of concentration and fatigue,” King says.
“It also shows that Australians, on the whole, approve of existing traffic regulation and enforcement practices.”
However, King says 28 percent of people still believe it is OK to speed “if you are driving safely” and 70 percent admit they sometimes drive 10km/h or more above the speed limit.