The Fatal Five – fast facts
Learn more about staying safe at the wheel
The Fatal Five were identified through research by the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety – Queensland (CARRS-Q).
Download and read informative fact sheets from CARRS-Q on the Fatal Five:
Speeding
Speeding is a major factor in serious and fatal traffic crashes. Speeds just 5km/h over the speed limit in urban areas are enough to double the risk of a casualty crash.
| Drink driving
Drink driving is the number one contributing factor in 30% of fatal crashes in Australia. More than 1 in 4 drivers and riders killed on Australian roads have a blood alcohol content exceeding the legal limit.
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Seatbelts
Failure to wear a seatbelt is one of the leading causes of road crash death. Unrestrained drivers and passengers are 8 times more likely to be killed in a road crash.
| Drug driving
Drug driving is an increasing road safety problem. Drug use is associated with being involved in a crash, the risk is similar to driving with blood alcohol of 0.1 to 0.15%.
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Medication and driving
Almost 1 in 4 Australian drivers ignore medication warning labels and continue to drive after taking prescription drugs. Health professionals agree that some medications can impair your ability to drive and impact on traffic safety.
| Driving and fatigue
Fall-asleep crashes are usually severe, resulting in serious injury and death, as the driver makes no attempt to avoid the crash. A driver who has been awake for 17 hours has a driving ability similar to a driver with blood alcohol concentration of 0.05.
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Mobile phones and distraction
Using a mobile phone while driving is highly distracting and increases your risk of a crash four-fold, even when using a hands-free kit. Despite the dangers and illegality, around 60% of drivers have admitted using their mobile phone to talk and text.
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