Are lower speed limits saving lives?

Around the country speed limits have been lowered from 60km/h to 50 km/h while speed limit signs have been pulled down. At the same time speed cameras have become prolific.

The chart below was drawn up from ATSB (Australian Transport Safety Bureau) data as of January 2007. Check the escalating increase in road deaths in the 50km/h zones over the last eight years.

On our Facts page you will have noted a steady but slowing decline in the road toll over 16 years up to 2004 after which time it has reversed and started to increase. According to the ATSB chart the long term decline generally continues in the 60 and 100 km/h zones but is increasing in the new 50km/h zones.

These 50 km/h zone fatalities may have previously occurred in the 60km/h zones but the question remains, are lower speed limits saving lives? The answer is obvious in the chart below.

The chart below is a screen shot of the ATSB data with details how to confirm these findings - or how to obtain the missing data off the bottom of the screen shot.

Confirm the findings click here. Move "Year" into Column and "State" & "Speed" into Row.