Monash experts are available to comment on the reasons why people speed, and how drivers can prepare themselves for long road trips over the holiday period.
Dr Amanda Stephens, Senior Research Fellow, Monash University Accident Research Centre
Contact: +613 9903 4840 or Amanda.Stephens@monash.edu
- Who is most likely to speed and why
- Psychological tips for long road trips
- Speeding as a public health issue
The following can be attributed to Dr Stephens:
“There are several things drivers can do to avoid speeding this holiday period, including planning your route, allowing extra time for unexpected delays, planning breaks for long drives, and being aware of extra enforcement strategies over the holiday period.
“Be aware that how you feel before getting in the car is likely to influence how you drive, find ways to manage frustration or anger that can lead to speeding.
“It’s essential to use driver speed support systems such as cruise control, and to find ways to manage frustration or anger that leads to speeding to ensure the safe arrival for everyone on our roads.”
Professor Maxwell Cameron, Monash University Accident Research Centre
Contact: +61 417 331 762 or media@monash.edu
The following can be attributed to Professor Cameron:
“I would put emphasis on speeding making injuries more severe in a crash. Speeding is one of many factors causing crashes to occur, such as impaired driving, distraction, fatigue and numerous road features.
“Speeding makes fatal and serious injuries more likely, and this is likely to occur in every factor involving speeding, no matter what the cause of the crash.
“Speeding has a dual role, but the more important role is increasing the injury severity of crashes, not causing them.”
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