While accidents on the road might seem unavoidable, many can actually be prevented with mindful and cautious driving. Every year, thousands of collisions lead to injuries, fatalities, and costly property damage—all too often caused by risky driving behaviours.
Here, we’ll explore some of the most dangerous driving habits observed on the road and offer practical tips to help reduce these risks.
Distractions—whether from a phone, navigation system, or even eating and drinking while driving—can cause collisions and taking your attention off the road for even a few seconds can have serious consequences.
“I was driving on the highway when I noticed the car ahead of me start to drift toward the shoulder. As I got closer, I could see the driver glancing down at their phone, completely unaware of how far they’d veered off course. They looked up just in time and corrected their path, but it was a nerve-wracking moment that could have easily ended in disaster.”
How to Stay Safe:
- Eliminate distractions: Set up GPS and music before starting your trip and avoid multitasking while driving.
- Activate “Do Not Disturb” mode: Many phones have a driving mode to block notifications.
- Stay focused: Keep both hands on the wheel and your full attention on the road. Driving needs your full attention so pull over if anything else requires you to be distracted.
Speeding is illegal and significantly increases the risk and severity of accidents. Any increase in speed reduces reaction times and makes it harder to respond to sudden changes on the road.
“I was driving on a winding, narrow road when I saw a car speed past me, ignoring the curves and the warning signs. As they approached a blind turn, they cut across the centre line and veered into the oncoming lane, where they collided head-on with another vehicle that had no time to react. The impact was terrifying to witness.”
How to Stay Safe:
- Observe speed limits: Speed limits are designed to protect drivers, especially in high-risk areas. Research from the Road Accident Research Unit of the University of Adelaide has shown that the risk of involvement in a casualty doubles with each 5km/hr increase in free travelling speed above 60km/h
- Allow extra time: Leave early to avoid the temptation to speed.
- Use cruise control: This feature helps you maintain a safe, consistent speed on highways.
Fatigue is an overlooked hazard. Driving while drowsy can be as dangerous as driving under the influence, slowing reaction times and increasing the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
“I was driving on the interstate when I noticed a car ahead of me slowly drifting from one lane to another, almost as if the driver had lost control. They continued to veer dangerously close to the other cars, and after a few tense moments, they suddenly jerked the wheel to correct themselves. It was clear from the way they jolted upright that they’d either nodded off or lost focus entirely.”
How to Stay Safe:
- Get enough sleep: Make sure you’re well-rested before a long drive and take breaks every few hours.
- Know the signs of fatigue: If you’re yawning or struggling to focus, pull over to rest.
- Switch drivers: If traveling with others, rotate drivers to prevent exhaustion.
Following too closely behind the vehicle in front of you, or “tailgating,” is a major cause of rear-end collisions. Tailgating reduces reaction time, making it difficult to stop in time if the car ahead brakes suddenly. It can also lead to further road incidences such as road rage.
“I was stuck in heavy, stop-and-go traffic when I noticed a car behind me following far too closely, practically glued to my bumper. Each time I braked, they barely slowed down in time, and I could feel my nerves starting to rise. Sure enough, when I had to make a sudden stop, they didn’t react quickly enough and slammed right into the back of my car.”
How to Stay Safe:
- Maintain a safe following distance: Aim for a three-second gap between cars, increasing it in bad weather.
- Stay calm: Don’t let frustration with slower traffic lead to tailgating.
- Anticipate slowdowns: Watch for brake lights and prepare for sudden stops, especially in heavy traffic.
Failing to indicate or waiting for an appropriate gap in traffic when changing lanes creates confusion and heightens the risk of accidents. When other drivers aren’t aware of your intentions, they may not adjust their speed or positioning, leading to dangerous situations.
“I was driving on the freeway at around 100 km/h when, out of nowhere, a car suddenly cut in front of me without any indication. They left barely any space between us, and I had to swerve sharply to avoid a collision. My heart was racing—it felt like an incredibly close call. At that speed, even a slight impact could have caused a serious accident. I kept thinking how much worse it could have been if I hadn’t reacted in time.”
How to Stay Safe:
- Always Signal Early: Give other drivers plenty of notice by indicating at least three seconds before you switch lanes.
- Check Your Blind Spots: Avoid surprises by thoroughly checking all mirrors and blind spots before moving over.
- Practice Patience: Only change lanes when there’s ample space; avoid sudden lane changes in heavy traffic.
Staying Safe on the Road
These common high-risk driving behaviours often lead to avoidable accidents. By staying alert, following traffic laws, and practicing safe driving habits, we can all contribute to safer roads. Simple actions—like buckling up, keeping a safe distance, and minimising distractions—can make a difference in preventing accidents and making Victorian roads safer for everyone.
FAQ
Making a report?
What helpful information can I share with Crime Stoppers?
While you are in control of how much or little you tell us, some information such as the below is extra helpful:
Who (Person)
Do you know the names, ages and addresses of the individuals involved?
What do they look like? Can you comment on their nationality, age, build, hair style/length/colour, height, and whether they have any facial hair, tattoos or piercings? What clothes were they wearing, and were they carrying anything with them? If speaking, were they speaking with an accent or in a foreign language?
Who (Transport)
Do you remember any details about the type of transport being used? Was it a car, bicycle, motorbike, or form of public transport? Can you comment on the colour, vehicle registration number, make and model, and any other distinctive features such as roof racks, damage, or modifications?
What
Please describe the activity you saw or overheard. What made this activity suspicious to you (trust your instincts)?
When
What day and approximate time did this suspicious or illegal activity take place?
Where
What location did this occur at? Was it in a house, park, office, school, factory, farm, on the train, in an Uber or taxi?
How
Do you have information about the activity? How it was or will be carried out?
While every piece of information provided helps police to take action, you are never expected to put yourself at risk to get these details. Your safety always comes first.
Do I have to say who I am?
No! Anonymity is extremely important to us. Crime Stoppers Victoria wants to know what you know, not who you are.
People have many different reasons for not sharing their identity. Sometimes they are worried about getting in trouble with the people they are sharing information about. Sometimes people don't want to get involved in further investigations and possible court action.
Sometimes an anonymous report will solve a case or add new information to an unsolved case to verify information police already have. Anonymous tips add a piece to the puzzle for a safer community.
Every tip counts! Anonymous or not.
What if I am not 100% sure of my information?
If you think your information could be helpful, Crime Stoppers wants to hear it.
If you are 10% confident or 100% confident, we are experienced with all kinds of information.
What if I am wasting your time with my information?
Whether you remember all of the details, or just a handful, if you think your information could be helpful, Crime Stoppers wants to hear it. This is what we do, so you are not wasting our time.
Some tips might be useful immediately, others will form part of Victoria Police's intelligence holdings that may be used in future investigations. Every report helps to create a safer Victoria.
I have information on something that occurred years ago, is it still worth sharing?
There is no expiry date on reports to Crime Stoppers. If you have seen, heard, or know something suspicious, we want to hear from you. Your information could be the missing piece of the puzzle.
Can I submit photos and videos?
Yes, you can submit photos and videos. Online reports can accept up to four images per report. If you have any additional images you would like to share, please remember your reference number from your first report and submit a second report.
If you choose to remain anonymous, the metadata is stripped from these files. The content of the file will be supplied to investigators in its original and unedited format.
Does Crime Stoppers record calls or store IP addresses for online reports?
Calls to Crime Stoppers are not recorded and Crime Stoppers does not store IP addresses.
Can Crime Stoppers access the metadata in the images I upload to the website?
You decide. If you choose to remain anonymous all metadata is stripped from images or videos you upload.
I'm a victim of crime, can I report to Crime Stoppers?
No, if you require immediate assistance please dial 000 for emergency services. If you require non-urgent police assistance please contact the Police Assistance Line and online reporting service on 131 444 or here, or call your local police station here. If you have information on a crime, call Crime Stoppers confidentially on 1800 333 000 or submit an online report here.
The Victims of Crime Helpline, operated by the Victorian Government, helps people in Victoria manage the effects of violent crime. Victims can receive free information and support to help them manage the effects of crime and guide them through the legal process. Call or text the Victims of Crime Helpline to:
- Get advice about reporting a crime
- find other services that can help you
- get information about your rights
- get information about how courts work
- get help applying for compensation and financial assistance.
Open: 8am-11pm, 7 days a week
Call the Victims of Crime Helpline on: 1800 819 817
Text: 0427 767 891
Website: victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au
Police connection?
Is Crime Stoppers Victoria part of the Police or the Government?
No. We work closely with Victoria Police and the Government, but we are a separate not-for-profit organisation.
Find out what happens next here.
