1/02/2012
The Road Safety Council is endorsing technology that can help drivers stick to the speed limit in support of the new ‘Post it Notes’ speed campaign launched 4 February 2012 by the Minister for Police; Road Safety, Hon. Rob Johnson.
Driving at safer speeds could save 3,200 people from being killed or seriously injured alone, if fully implemented under the state’s road safety strategy, Towards Zero.
“Many of the satellite navigation systems available on the market these days have intelligent speed limit warnings available to the driver,” Executive Director of the Office of Road Safety, Iain Cameron, said.
“These systems use GPS and an on-board map database of speed limits to give an audible and/or visual warning to the driver if they are speeding. Trials of these advisory systems in Australia and overseas have resulted in improved speed compliance.
“Using such technology means there should be virtually no risk of creeping above the limit unknowingly or temptation to enter into speeding behaviour.
WA drivers are reminded that travelling just 5km/h over the posted speed limit doubles their crash risk and that this technology would help keep drivers at the posted speed.
“Drivers are urged to view their role in road safety as a personal responsibility, not only to themselves but to all drivers and road users around them.
“Speeding is a major factor in serious and fatal traffic crashes with 65 people killed and 410 seriously injured on average, each year due to excessive speed.
“Complying with the speed limit will drastically reduce the risk of being killed or seriously injured in a crash,” Mr Cameron said.
“Ultimately, it remains the driver’s responsibility not to speed but these devices help drivers to comply and choose to drive at a safe speed.”
ENDS
Media Contact: Elizabeth Jones, Office of Road Safety
9323 4869 / 0417 939 743 / elizabeth.jones@mainroads.wa.gov.au