As the Easter holidays approach, RACV is urging all motorists to observe speed limits and prioritise safety on the roads.
According to Victoria Police, approximately 2,330 speeding offences were recorded over the recent Labor Day long weekend, with 75 per cent of those offenders exceeding the speed limit by between 10 kilometres per hour and 25 kilometres per hour.
The data comes as Victoria has lost 84 lives on the road this calendar year as of midnight 14 April 2025.
RACV Head of Policy James Williams said that there was no excuse for motorists exceeding the speed limit, highlighting the serious repercussions for those that put themselves, their families and other drivers at risk.
"We know that exceeding the speed limit plays a part in one third of serious crashes and collisions and that speeding significantly increases the likelihood of death and severity of injuries," Mr Williams said.
"The risk of a crash causing a fatality approximately doubles with each five kilometre per hour increase in speed on a road with a limit of 60km/h or higher."
Mr Williams also observed that motorists do not save significant periods of time by speeding.
"We know that the time saved by speeding is minimal. Increasing your average speed from 60 kilometres per hour to 65 kilometres per hour on a 10 kilometre journey saves less than a minute," Mr Williams said.
"Even more importantly, reducing speed from 110 kilometres per hour to 100 kilometres per hour on a 100 kilometre journey will only add between two and five minutes to your overall travel time."
Beyond safety concerns, speeding also leads to higher fuel consumption and increased vehicle wear and tear, resulting in additional costs for drivers.
RACV recommends the following measures for a safe Easter holiday travel experience:
- Plan ahead: Allow extra time for your journey to accommodate increased traffic and potential delays.
- Adhere to speed limits: Always drive within the speed limits, adjusting your speed according to road and weather conditions.
- Stay alert: Avoid distractions such as mobile devices and take regular breaks to prevent fatigue.
- Ensure vehicle maintenance: Check that your vehicle is in good condition before long trips, paying attention to tyres, brakes, and fluid levels.
