A recent study has shown that lowering the speed limit to 40 km/h can lead to a significant reduction in the number of accidents.
The analysis, carried out by the Monash University Accident Research Center (MUARC), found that injuries from vehicle accidents fell by 9.7 per cent in areas where 40km/h speed limits were introduced.
However, those who do not travel by car benefit the most: the number of accidents between vehicles and pedestrians fell by 23.8 percent.
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The results were taken from areas where speeds had dropped from the 50 or 60 km/h limit to 40 km/h.
“Our study shows that the introduction of 40km/h zones has been proven to help reduce accident and injury rates, particularly in areas where pedestrians are most at risk,” said MUARC Director Professor Stuart Newstead.
A survey of Victorian drivers also found there were fewer speeding violations in 40km/h zones than in areas with higher speed limits.
However, this contradicts the data used in the report, which showed “much higher” speeding in 40km/h zones than in 60km/h zones.
While the paper suggests further research on these issues, it also says this study provides evidence to further expand the reduction of speed limits in both cities and regional areas.
“Expanding these lower speed zones on local roads and busy pedestrian areas could significantly help reduce road accidents,” the report said. “But to be effective, this must be accompanied by improved signage, education and data collection.”
MORE: The Australian government scraps plans for lower speed limits
