Getting Back to Basics – a Must-Have for Safer Queensland Roads

Brisbane, Queensland (PRWEB) September 01, 2011

New research commissioned by Suncorp Insurance through Newspoll has shown that despite the high incidence of young driver accidents in Queensland, a large proportion of more experienced motorists are neglecting to follow basic road rules.

Eighteen per cent of Queensland motorists caught by speed cameras say they did not believe they were speeding at the time. Of this group the worst offenders (21 per cent) were drivers aged 25-49.

Despite this, 79 per cent of motorists in this age group support zero tolerance policies for P-platers caught speeding.

Suncorp InsuranceSafer Roads Ambassador and multiple Bathurst champion Craig Lowndes said the data sent a very important message to experienced drivers.

“Unfortunately it is often the case that the longer a person has been driving and the more confident they are on the roads the less likely they are to pay attention to the details – Queensland drivers need to get back to basics.

“It’s alarming figures like these that have motivated my work with Suncorp Insurance on their Must-Have safer Queensland roads campaign.

“An enormous amount of time and energy has been put into delivering useful messages to Queensland drivers in order to re-educate them on the basics of road safety and I believe it has been money well spent”, he said.

According to the research, 35 per cent of Queensland drivers aged 25-49 believed going up to 10km over the speed limit was not actually speeding while 25 per cent of motorists aged 25-49 years had driven after drinking at some point.

Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said the findings were concerning considering the continued efforts of the State Government and Queensland Police Service to educate drivers that every kilometer over the speed limit increased the likelihood of being involved in a traffic crash.

“The Queensland Police Service, in partnership with other government departments and community road safety organisations, continues to educate the public of the dangers of speeding and drink driving which each account for about 20% of the road toll,” he said.

The report also uncovered a general uncertainty among motorists regarding speed limits, a majority of Queensland drivers from all age groups saying they found varying limits confusing.

For more information, interviews or images please contact Mia Hamilton Red PR on (07) 3252 5735 or email mia@redpr.com.au or Danielle Trewin on (07) 3252 5735 dannielle(at)redpr(dot)com(dot)au

About the Research
Newspoll Market & Social Research conducted an independent internet survey of 3,740 Australian drivers, 18 years of age and older, across all states and territories in 2011. Collected data has been weighted in line with current ABS population demographics to ensure any extrapolation of results is representative of age sex and area.

Suncorp Personal Insurance products include car insurance, home and contents insurance, travel insurance, boat insurance, caravan insurance and comprehensive car insurance. Some of our personal insurance brands are designed to meet the needs of broad numbers of customers; others tailor their products and service to meet the needs of specific groups of customers.

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Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/9/prweb8756115.htm