Victorians urged to maintain focus on road safety this easter following 22% drop in Victorian road toll

Real change is possible and road safety is in our hands – that is the message from RACV ahead of a historically dangerous Easter holiday period on Victorian roads.

RACV is encouraging Victorians to continue to maintain their focus on road safety following a 22 per cent drop compared to the same time last year in the number of lives lost on Victoria roads - as of 30 March.

RACV Head of Policy James Williams said that a focus on safer driving habits is the most important factor in further reducing lives lost on Victorian roads.

“RACV know that there are a number of variables that make up our road toll – but at the very heart of the issue is driving behaviours, and even one life lost on Victorian roads is one too many” Mr Williams said.

“Although the lives lost has decreased, there are still many decisions that you have the power to avoid – do not speed, drive fatigued, aggressively or erratically, or drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” Mr Wiliams said.

“A decrease in Victorian lives lost in 2026 to date shows us that real change is indeed possible, but we can never lose sight of the fact that even one life lost on our roads is too many – and tragically, even though the numbers are down, 50 people have lost their lives on Victorian roads in the first three months of the year alone,” Mr Williams said.

Mr Williams also highlighted the impact of speeding, saying one third of serious crashes and collisions involve speeding as a major factor.

“Speeding is never worth the risk – especially when you understand how little time you are really gaining by going over the limit,” Mr Williams said.

RACV is also reminding Victorian motorists of the importance to slow down to 40km/h when incident response vehicles and roadworks.

“With more cars on the road, the chance of incident response vehicles sitting roadside also goes up, and we need to all do our part and slow down to 40 km/h and move over where possible to ensure vital workers can do their jobs without fear of harm and get home safely,” Mr Williams said.

As Victorians embark on Easter holiday road trips around the state, RACV is urging motorists to check both their car insurance policy and roadside assistance membership – to ensure they are adequately covered.

“In addition to checking your car is in good condition and brakes, tyres and fluid levels are all adequate for a road trip, RACV is encouraging Victorians to check your policies – you can save time, money and real hassle by making sure you’re covered for whatever the road trip may throw at you.”

For more information on road trip safety and a comprehensive safety checklist, visit the RACV Website.