RESEARCH - Driving Deaths Caused by Simple Errors

TAC LogoThe Transport Accident Commission (TAC) of Victoria, Australia reports that new research reveals the majority of the state’s road deaths happen because of a simple mistake committed by the driver.  In 2020, 71% of road deaths involved a basic error, as opposed to high-risk behaviours such as speeding, drink-driving and drug-driving.

According to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll:

“There is a common misconception that it’s people that take risks who are involved in fatal crashes – it’s not, anyone can be involved in an accident regardless of their experience on our roads.”

“Anything can happen at any time on the roads – and as more Victorians return to our roads we’re reminding them to stay distraction free, buying the safest car you can afford and sticking within the speed limit we can make every journey a safe one.”

Proportion of deaths caused by simple mistakes since 2017:

  • 2020 – 146 mistakes out of 205 fatalities = 71.2%
  • 2019 – 171 mistakes out of 249 fatalities = 69%
  • 2018 – 123 mistakes out of 177 fatalities = 68.7%
  • 2017 – 160 mistakes out of 229 fatalities = 69.5%

Victoria has a road safety strategy much like BC. Our strategy explains:

A website dedicated to the BC Road Safety Strategy 2025: A Collaborative Framework for Road Safety will provide updates on road safety initiatives underway across government, engagement opportunities for road safety partners to work with the Steering Committee on priority projects, and a road safety education and awareness calendar.

At this time, the website link takes you directly to the page that you are already reading. Oops.