FLEETDRIVE
SPEED
Speed contributes to road trauma, and
there is a clear relationship between
speed and potential crash frequency and
severity. A 5km/h reduction in a 60km/h
zone can result in a 31% reduction in
crashes, and the risk of crashing increases
by nearly six times when travelling 20km/h
more than the average speed. Research
has demonstrated that a 10% reduction
in mean travel speed is likely to result in a
36% reduction in fatalities.
How to reduce risk:
• observing speed limits
• driving at a speed appropriate for the
conditions
• responding to speed warning alerts
• adjusting arrival times to compensate for
delays
• planning trips on the basis of time within
speed limits.
MOBILE PHONE USE
The use of mobile phones while driving
creates distractions to the primary task
of driving. The ability to react to other
vehicles, judge separation distances
and maintain a constant speed are
compromised by using a mobile phone.
The TAC and WorkSafe recommend that
hands free calls be kept to a minimum
and reserved for emergency type calls.
Handheld mobile phone use is illegal
and should not be considered under any
circumstances while driving. Texting or
reading texts or caller ID should not be
done at any time whilst driving.
How to reduce risk:
• adopting a policy to ban the use of
mobile phones while driving
• complying with the ban on use of
hand held phones
• allowing calls to go to a message
bank
• answering calls only after the car is
pulled over to the side of the road
• leaving a message on voicemail
advising incoming callers that you are
driving and cannot take calls.
ISSUE 19 2019 / WWW.AFMA.ORG.AU
9