Road Toll and State Trends
In Victoria, 289 people died on the roads in the 12 months to December 2024. This represents an 8.6% increase from the previous year. Rural areas were found to have suffered disproportionally. Lives lost in rural Victoria rose by 8 over that period.
Specific figures for the South-East of Melbourne or Gippsland are less frequently published. State trends generally apply where increased risk, especially where speed limits are higher and road conditions are tougher.
Mobile Phone Use Remains a Major Risk
Mobile phone detection and seatbelt cameras noted 6,421 drivers using mobile phones unlawfully from January-March 2025. Transport Victoria warns phone use behind the wheel harms judgement, slows reaction time, and increases the risk of an accident significantly.
Speeding & High Risk Driving
Speed continues to be one of the biggest contributors to road trauma across Victoria.
Most surveyed drivers admit to low-level speeding. Low level speeding is defined as driving over the limit by a few km/h.
Such behaviour worsens on roads with curves or poorer surfaces. These are conditions common in some parts of South-East Victoria. Areas typically on the edge of metropolitan zones that transition into rural fringes.
Distraction, Drugs, and Peer Pressure
Distractions
Drivers should always discourage and avoid distractions. Examples distractions include mobile phones, GPS, passengers, and even eating. Anything that takes your attention off the road.
Alcohol and Drugs
Impaired driving by alcohol and drugs also remains a serious issue. Around 41% of drivers and motorcyclists killed in Victoria had drugs in their system. Both are choices and are avoidable when it comes to driving.
Peer Pressure
Young drivers especially face peer pressure, and South-East Victoria has many young commuters and students, increasing potential for distracted or peer-influenced risky behaviour (e.g., speeding, showing off).
What South-East Residents Can Do Now
- Silence mobile phones or use hands-free, especially on roads with mixed speed limits.
- Strickly observe speed limits
- Adjust your driving to the road conditions, weather and sight distance.
- Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Limit distractions from passengers; keep driving the priority.
- Avoid fatigue.
