MEDIA RELEASE

Embargoed until 0000 hrs 6 February 2011

Attention: Chiefs of staff/transport reporters

New Study: Speeding makes you a better driver
Encouraging people to speed and removing speed limits could make for safer roads. A new
study by High Road Automotive Research (HRAR) has found that drivers who speed have
significantly reduced reaction times and increased hazard perception. The study investigates
how adrenaline affects reaction times in driver behavior.

The study shows that as travel speed increases so did the focus of the driver on their
surroundings. The elevated perception of danger triggers an endocrine reaction within the
brain, forcing the individual to play closer attention to objects moving around the vehicle.
Even relatively small increases in vehicle speed can result in substantial increases in spatial
acuity and response time.

Research team leader Peter Zachariou said data analysis showed that if speed limits were
significantly raised in urban environments, the road fatality and serious injury rate could be
reduced by more than 80 per cent. “The road toll in Australia is unacceptably high. This new
research provides us with a new strategy to tackle this problem.” said Mr. Zachariou

This study adds to a growing chorus of voices advocating a rise in speed limits. Dr Ulrich
Mellinghoff, the head of safety at Mercedes-Benz said in October 2010, “We in Germany have
absolutely no problem with higher speeds. We've discussed it often, and very often the
discussion was that it was unsafe. But our statistics show this is not the case.''

HRAR research recommends a 20k rise in speed limits in Australian urban and CDB streets.
“If we want to reduce the high rate of road fatalities and serious injuries.” Dr Zachariou
suggests, “we should be taking heed of this research and look at ways to change driver
behavior on our roads.”

Core recommendations is for urban areas include:

• Raise speed limits across Australia.
• Introduction of demerit points and fines should be applied for driving at slower speeds
• Advanced driver training as a standard within Graduated License schemes

Zone Existing Limits (KPH) Recommended (KPH)

Inner CBD streets 40+ 60+
Local streets 50+ 70+
Other urban streets 60+ 80+
Undivided roads (low quality) 100 120+
Undivided roads (good quality) 100-110 130+
Motorways/divided roads 100-110 130+

For interviews with report authors or for further information, call HRAR media
liaison officer Jane Hannity on +61 439 389 572
www.highroadauto.org

HighRoad Automotive Research

www.highroadauto.org