A report from the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) has revealed a decline in the number of fatalities on Australia’s roads in 2018, with 78 fewer fatalities recorded than in 2107.
According to BITRE there were 1,146 deaths for the 12-month period to December 2018, a 6.4 per cent drop from the 1,224 deaths recorded in the previous 12-month period.
The 2018 return was the lowest 12-month total since August 2014.
The findings were welcomed by the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormackwho said they showed encouraging improvement but warned they should not be seen as a green light for complacency.
“A 6.4 per cent decline in road deaths last year should trigger a reason to ask how that performance can be improved in 2019 and what more can we do to make a difference,” Mr McCormack said.
“One road death or accident is one too many.
“The ultimate safety outcome we are all striving for is a target of zero road deaths and serious injuries in Australia.”
The BITRE statistics reveal that New South Wales reported a 9 per cent decline with 389 road deaths in 2017 compared to 354 in 2018; Victoria experienced a 17.4 per cent drop from 259 in 2017 to 214 in 2018; and South Australia saw a 19 per cent fall from 100 in 2017 to 81 in 2018.
Tasmania recorded a 2.9 per cent drop; Western Australia a 0.6 per cent decline; while Queensland reported the same number as the previous year.
The two territories – the ACT and Northern Territory – each experienced increases.
Mr McCormack said State and Federal Governments shared the ‘vision zero’ target and were working with multiple agencies and through various jurisdictions to improve road safety standards and deliver a more secure transport system for all Australians and their families.
“We should never forget road accidents also have a broader impact on the families of the victims and also the emergency service workers who respond at such times of need, such as police, ambulance and emergency road crews,” Mr McCormack said.
“While we have seen some improvement on the number of road deaths in 2018, we can do even better by ensuring basic safety steps are followed, such as wearing seat-belts and obeying speed limits and road rules.
“Driver fatigue and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol are other major factors in contributing to road deaths and accidents.”
The BITRE statistics can be accessed at this PS News link.
