Safe driving habits for every generation

In 2023, over 1200 people sadly lost their lives on the road, marking a 7.3% rise from the previous year. It’s a sobering reminder of the importance of road safety. While Australian governments and road traffic agencies have a plan to stem the tide via the National Road Safety Strategy 2021-30, which aims to reduce fatalities by at least 50% by 2030, there are a few habits you can build now to keep everyone safe.

Whether you’re an inexperienced driver or have clocked decades behind the wheel, we can all play a part in helping to keep our roads safe. Here’s how…

Avoid all alcohol while driving

According to the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), one in five fatal crashes involve a motorist with blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the legal limit. The risk is especially high for younger drivers, who are much more likely to crash than older drivers at all blood alcohol levels. This is why probationary drivers must adhere to a zero BAC requirement.

However, banning all alcohol if you’re driving is good for every age group; studies show our ability to see, judge distances and respond to stimuli decreases even at legal BAC levels, while our tendency to take risks increases.

The evidence is clear; to ensure safe driving, it is essential to avoid alcohol. The same obviously applies to drugs, illegal or – if they make you sleepy or affect physical performance – otherwise.

Never drive tired

Fatigue is a factor in up to 30% of all road deaths, according to the Queensland Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety. Just like alcohol or drugs, tiredness plays havoc with our driving performance, slowing our reasoning, decision-making and reactions. We can fall prey to sleep or micro-sleeps, essentially turning our car into an unguided missile.

So never start a drive if you’re feeling sleepy. If you’re getting tired during a long drive, pull over somewhere safe and take a nap.

Put the phone away

TAC Victoria research shows you are 10 times more likely to crash if you are texting, browsing or emailing on a mobile phone. While hands-free options have lessened the need to physically handle a phone while driving, mobile phones remain a major source of distraction and it’s best not to use your phone at all while driving. Around 60 percent of Australian drivers admit to using a mobile phone without hands-free capability while on the road.

Always wear a seatbelt

Seatbelt use has been compulsory since the 1970s and about 97-98% of us use them, according to surveys by road-traffic authorities.

And those who don’t belt up? They are sadly very over-represented in crash statistics. According to TAC data, drivers and passengers in Victoria who did not wear a seatbelt accounted for approximately one quarter of deaths on the roads in the last five years. Other studies suggest an unbelted occupant is 10 times more likely to be killed in a crash.

If you want to be a safe, responsible driver, ensuring you and your passengers wear a seatbelt at all times is one of the best driving habits you can adopt.

Adopt a defensive mindset

You can do everything listed above, but if you’re not in the right headspace for driving, you are more likely to make bad decisions that lead to negative consequences.

So, before every drive, curate a defensive driving mentality. Remind yourself of the risks and be ever-vigilant to possible dangers. Never drive aggressively or speed, drop back from the cars in front of you to increase your safety margin and be willing to drive under the posted limit if conditions dictate, such as rain, fog, and ice.

By following these essential driving habits, you contribute to safer roads for everyone—no matter your experience behind the wheel. Safe driving is not just about rules but about a mindset of care and caution. Each habit, from avoiding alcohol and fatigue to staying focused and buckling up, can make a life-saving difference.

^Disclaimer

^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}