New Victoria Police analysis shows thousands of motorists throughout the state are failing to heed the very basics of driving.
More than 24,000 infringements were issued in a single year for some of the simplest of road rules and the force is urging people to focus on the foundations of good driving, warning even minor mistakes or inattention can have catastrophic consequences.
Acting Senior Sergeant of the State Highway Patrol – Solo Unit said as the saying goes: ‘Little things add up’.
“And nothing could be truer when it comes to your behaviour on the road, a moment’s inattention is all it takes to cause a crash and the ramifications can last a lifetime,” he said
“We really want people to think about the basics of good driving and riding – paying attention, following the rules and expecting the unexpected.”
Such single acts of non-compliance typically account for more than half of road deaths each year.
The analysis – covering the latest financial year – shows almost 8000 infringements were issued for motorists failing to obey traffic lights alone.
This includes running red lights, ignoring amber lights and disobeying traffic lane signals.
A further 3000 drivers failed to obey stop signs.
Behaviour at intersections was of particular concern.
There were 2000 infringements for failing to give way at intersections and 1300 for ignoring give way signs.
Roundabouts appeared a mystery to many who entered them from the wrong lane, ignored traffic arrows and didn’t give way when they were supposed to.
Around 2200 drivers were caught tailgating and 1700 didn’t have their headlights and taillights on at night.
The broken basics included more than 800 motorists failing to use their indicator while others entered a blocked intersection, overtook on the left or at an unsafe distance and ignored keep left or keep right signs.
To the continued astonishment of police, 4300 fines were issued for people not wearing a seatbelt or not wearing one properly.
Victoria Police hopes releasing the figures will prompt road users to think about their behaviour and how it affects the safety of others – especially people walking, riding bikes and on motorcycles.
Acting Sen-Sgt Perkins said it’s also important we get away from the dog-eat-dog mentality some people have when they get behind the wheel.
“A bit of courtesy costs nothing and goes a long way in making the roads safer for everyone, ignoring the rules doesn’t just frustrate others, it’s dangerous,” he said.
“That’s why police are out enforcing day and night – anywhere, any time.”
Exact statistics for infringements from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023:
Fail to obey traffic lights – includes running red lights, ignoring amber lights and ignoring traffic lane signals: 7984
Fail to wear seatbelt or not wearing one properly: 4284
Fail to obey stop sign: 2935
Fail to drive sufficient distance behind vehicle: 2177
Fail to give way at intersection: 2023
Faily to have headlights and taillights on at night: 1718
Fail to obey give way sign: 1306
Fail to indicate: 833
Fail to give way at roundabout: 511
Enter blocked intersection or one likely to become blocked: 106
Overtake vehicle on left or at unsafe distance: 100
Enter roundabout from wrong marked lane/line or disobey traffic lane arrows in roundabout: 91
Fail to keep left of oncoming vehicle: 60
Fail to indicate at roundabout: 45
Fail to obey keep left or keep right sign: 11
Total: 24,184
