New data from the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economic (BITRE) in the latest Road Deaths Australia notice has shown an alarming spike in road fatalities over the past 12 months.
1,266 people tragically lost their lives on Australian roads in 2023, marking a 7.3 per cent increase from the 12-month period ending December 2022.
The rate of annual road fatalities per 100,000 people currently stands at 4.8, which is a 4.8 per cent year-on-year increase.
Governments at both the State and Federal levels have all committed to Vision Zero – highlighted by zero deaths and serious injuries on our roads by 2050.
The Australian Government has developed both a National Road Safety Strategy and National Road Safety Action Plan to address the ongoing challenge of reducing the road toll.
Roads Australia (RA) recently welcomed the Australian Government’s decision to increase funding for the Black Spot Program following the Infrastructure Investment Program Strategic Review.
This funding has also been met by increased support for road safety programs at a State level with South Australia matching the additional promised investment of the Australian Government.
Road safety will continue to be a key policy priority of RA. Every fatality on our roads is a tragedy and results in a lifetime of pain for families, friends and communities.
Road safety must be everyone’s responsibility if we are to drive down the road toll and meet Vision Zero.