What is the number one reason for car accidents in Australia?

What is the number one reason for car accidents in Australia according to the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics and state road authorities is driver distraction and inattention, followed closely by speeding. While people often think drink driving is number one, data from Transport for NSW, VicRoads and Queensland TMR shows that distraction, including mobile phone use, eating, adjusting GPS or looking away from road, is a contributing factor in about 30% to 40% of all crashes. This is why AI mobile phone detection cameras have been rolled out in all states with fines over $1,200 and 5 demerit points. The second leading cause is speeding, which contributes to about 30% of fatal crashes, because higher speed reduces reaction time and increases stopping distance. Drink and drug driving remains a major cause of fatal crashes, contributing to about 20% to 25% of fatal accidents. Fatigue is also a major cause, especially in regional and remote areas and for heavy vehicle drivers, contributing to about 20% of fatal crashes in rural Australia. Other top reasons include failing to give way at intersections, tailgating or not keeping safe distance, and weather conditions like wet roads. For young drivers under 25, inexperience and risk-taking are key factors. According to 2023-2024 data, Australia had about 1,200 to 1,300 road deaths per year and over 40,000 serious injuries, with distraction, speed, alcohol and fatigue being the fatal four that police target in enforcement campaigns.