Road safety is a pressing issue in Australia, with 1,266 road deaths and over 40,000 serious injuries recorded in 2023 (Bureau of Infrastructure, 2024). While laws and regulations are essential for maintaining safety on the roads, there is a significant distinction between compliance with rules and fostering a genuine road safety culture. This article explores how a strong safety culture can be more effective than mere rule-following in reducing road incidents.
Understanding Safety Culture vs Compliance
Compliance refers to following road rules simply because they exist, often enforced through penalties such as fines and demerit points. In contrast, a safety culture is an internalised commitment to safe driving practices, where individuals make decisions based on the well-being of all road users rather than just avoiding penalties.
A simple example illustrates this difference: two drivers may both obey speed limits, but one does so to avoid fines while the other does so because they value road safety. The latter demonstrates a culture of safety, which remains consistent even in situations where enforcement is absent.
The Role of Industry in Road Safety Culture
Industries that rely on driving, such as transport and logistics, play a crucial role in shaping safety culture. Heavy vehicle operators, for instance, must manage fatigue risks—a leading cause of road crashes (Thomas, 2021). Many companies now use in-vehicle monitoring systems to detect fatigue and improve driver awareness. However, safety extends beyond regulations; it requires a people-first approach that includes both physical and psychosocial well-being (Department of Health and Aged Care, 2023).
A strong safety culture is particularly relevant in the transport industry, where 80% of fatal crashes involving heavy vehicles are caused by the driver of the other vehicle, not the truck driver (Department of Infrastructure, 2021). Educating all road users on how to share the roads safely with trucks could prevent many fatalities.
Building a Safety Culture in the Workplace
A workplace safety culture starts with people. It is shaped by experiences at home, peer influence, and workplace expectations. Parents serve as early role models for driving behaviour, but attitudes can evolve in professional settings. Encouraging peer-to-peer safety feedback can create a workplace where employees actively watch out for one another.
The Dupont Bradley Curve, a widely recognised safety model, highlights that the safest workplaces foster a collective responsibility for safety, rather than relying solely on management to enforce rules.
Moreover, organisations must go beyond policy enforcement to cultivate genuine safety values. Employees should understand why policies exist, how they protect them, and feel empowered to contribute their insights. Frontline workers often have firsthand knowledge of risks unique to their environments, and their input can improve safety strategies.
Challenges in Maintaining a Safety Culture
One of the key challenges in fostering a lasting safety culture is consistency. New employees may struggle to adapt to an organisation’s safety standards, while experienced workers risk becoming complacent. Long-term familiarity with a job or route can dull risk perception, leading to unsafe habits.
“Complacency in itself is a risk,” warns Michael Mills, Fleet Manager. This sentiment underscores the need for continuous engagement in safety practices, regardless of experience level.
Another challenge is the balance between enforcing compliance and nurturing a deeper understanding of safety. Policies alone cannot create a safety culture; they must be accompanied by education, leadership commitment, and employee involvement.
Why Compliance Isn’t Enough
Road safety compliance is necessary, but it has limitations. Speed limits, for example, are set based on average conditions, but real-world situations require critical thinking. A 100 km/h road may be safe in dry conditions but dangerous in fog or on icy surfaces. Drivers need to assess risks dynamically rather than relying solely on regulations.
“Compliance is no longer enough—humanising the workforce is what’s needed,” says Kylie Fraser, Head of Safety, Health & Wellbeing. This perspective reinforces that safe driving is not just about following rules but about making responsible decisions in varying circumstances.
The Future of Road Safety Culture
The shift from compliance to a true road safety culture requires sustained efforts from individuals, businesses, and policymakers. Investing in a genuine safety culture, where peers care for each other and policies are built on real-world experience, leads to better long-term outcomes.
As infrastructure advisor Chris Dhu puts it, “Legislation is there to keep the bad guys honest, but there’s a better way to do business—and that’s just to be the good guy.”
Ultimately, safe driving should not be about avoiding fines but about ensuring that everyone reaches their destination without harm. A cultural shift towards valuing safety as a shared responsibility can significantly reduce road trauma in Australia.
References & Further Reading
Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (2024). Road Deaths Australia—Monthly Bulletins.
Department of Health and Aged Care (2023). National Mental Health Workforce Strategy 2022–2032.
Department of Infrastructure (2021). Heavy Vehicle Safety Fact Sheet.
Thomas, M. (2021). Fatigue and Driving: An International Review.
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