Australia has just recorded its highest annual road toll since 2012, with 1300 road deaths in 2024.
This marks the fourth consecutive year of increasing road fatalities, a trend that hasn’t been seen since 1966.
Despite the record number of speed cameras on our roads, which are generating significant revenue for state governments, the road toll continues to rise.
A Closer Look at the Statistics
The latest data reveals some alarming trends. Vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, accounted for 483 deaths, a 9.3% increase from the previous year.
Motorcyclists were the second-most affected group, with 278 deaths, a 10.3% increase. The majority of fatalities (28.5%) occurred in 100km/h zones, and most fatal crashes involved a single vehicle (60.2%).
The Need for a New Approach to Road Safety
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) is calling for a more effective approach to road safety, citing the need for compulsory safety assessments of roads and the use of data to inform transport, infrastructure, and policing policies.
The AAA believes that the current focus on speed cameras is inadequate and that more needs to be done to address the root causes of road fatalities.
The Problem with Speed Cameras
Speed cameras may generate revenue, but they don’t address the underlying issues that lead to road fatalities.
In fact, the NSW government’s introduction of average speed cameras on highways may only serve to further erode public trust in governments and police.
The use of speed cameras with low tolerances can lead to a culture of fear and mistrust, where drivers feel like they’re being unfairly targeted.
A Better Way Forward
To reduce road fatalities, we need to take a more holistic approach to road safety.
This includes improving road design and maintenance, reducing driver fatigue and distraction, and promoting a culture of safe driving practices.
We also need to ensure that our roads are safe for all users, including vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists.
The Importance of Data-Driven Decision Making
The use of data and evidence is crucial in informing road safety policies.
The Road Safety Data Hub website, which was launched in November, provides valuable insights into road fatalities and injuries. By analyzing this data, we can identify areas where improvement is needed and develop targeted strategies to reduce road fatalities.
Conclusion
The rising road toll in Australia is a concern that requires immediate attention. We need to move away from a sole focus on speed cameras and towards a more comprehensive approach to road safety.
By working together and using data to inform our decisions, we can create safer roads for everyone. It’s time for a new approach to road safety, one that prioritizes the safety of all road users and addresses the root causes of road fatalities.