Inquiry into Violence Associated with Motor Vehicle Use: Final Report

One of the features of life in a contemporary urban society is the stress that arises through a fast-paced lifestyle. Travelling to and from work in congested traffic is one of the more stressful activities which many urban dwellers are often forced to endure. Professional drivers who are on the road for lengthy periods are also subject to time pressures that require them to meet demanding schedules. Those who choose to use bicycles or motor cycles often experience an increase in levels of stress and anxiety as they negotiate dense and fast-moving traffic during their journeys. On occasions, some individuals will respond to the stresses in their lives through the use of violence. In the present context, this violence is directed at other road users. Occasionally this may lead to crimes of violence being committed, with the victims suffering personal injury or even death.But what are the real reasons behind violence associated with motor vehicle use?Is environmentally-induced stress to blame, or do the individual characteristics of people cause them to react violently to given situations in their lives?Furthermore, to what extent is violence associated with motor vehicle use a substantial crime problem in Victoria, when considered in comparison with other road safety issues and crime concerns generally?In this Inquiry the Committee was required to examine the question of the incidence, prevalence, severity, cost and impact of violence associated with motor vehicle use. It undertook its investigation by reviewing Victorian, national and international research in order to ascertain the extent of the problem and to evaluate the effectiveness of various strategies and initiatives designed to reduce its harmful effects on society. The Committee was also required to consider the need for policy and legislative reform to reduce violence associated with the motor vehicle use at the state level.