Driving behaviour data collected by Rollin’ Insurance has highlighted regional variations in road safety across Australia, alongside emerging concerns around mobility risks and speeding trends.
Analysing over 18 million kilometres through its Safe ‘n Save app, Rollin’ Insurance rated users based on speeding, acceleration, braking, cornering, and mobile phone use.
The nationwide average safe driving score was 90 out of 100, aligning with an A-grade under the company’s internal grading system.
South Australia recorded the highest average score at 90.3, outperforming Queensland (89.6) and Western Australia (88.9). On a city level, Geelong in Victoria topped the rankings with a safe driving score of 92, followed closely by Adelaide and the Sunshine Coast at 90.5 each.
South Australian drivers were noted for better braking habits and lower rates of mobile phone use. Queensland drivers showed strength in braking performance but were marked down for phone use while driving.
Speed analysis revealed that drivers in the Australian Capital Territory maintained the highest average speeds at 46.3 km/h. South Australia again stood out, this time with the slowest average driving speed at 37.5 km/h. Sunshine Coast drivers were found to be the fastest among cities, averaging 48.9 km/h, while Adelaide drivers averaged the slowest at 35.7 km/h.
Broader industry concerns around speeding were echoed by RACQ. The motoring group’s Young Drivers Survey found that many licence holders, particularly young men, view minor speeding as acceptable, raising alarm among safety advocates.
To reduce speed-related risks, RACQ has proposed policy measures including expanded use of speed cameras, enhanced police patrols along high-risk roads, and tougher penalties for repeat speed offenders, including potential vehicle confiscation.
Phone distraction remained widespread. Rollin’s data showed that 91% of app users were detected using their phones while driving, at an average travel speed of 43 km/h.
South Australian drivers had the lowest phone use rate, averaging one instance every nine trips. Drivers in Cairns were found most likely to use phones while driving, with one instance recorded every four trips.
Driver behaviour also varied by age and gender. Women scored marginally higher than men for overall safe driving, although they were slightly more likely to use their phones. Safety scores improved steadily with age, with drivers over 45 achieving the highest scores at 92.7.
Peak risk periods included Friday evenings around 5pm and midday on weekends, according to Rollin's review of app-collected driving data.
Brendan Griffiths, executive manager at Rollin Insurance, said incentivising safer behaviour remains a core focus.
“While many Australians earn an A on their safe driving score, there’s still room for improvement. Habits like phone use and harsh breaking remain common on Australian roads, putting drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk,” he said.
He noted that around 53% of Safe ‘n Save users reached an A-grade score, with 26% qualifying for top-tier discounts by demonstrating safe habits.
