If you’re one of the millions of Australians who use Facebook to stay informed about what’s happening in the country, you might have noticed a disturbing trend: our roads are becoming increasingly deadly.
According to the latest data from the federal government’s Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE), 2024 was the deadliest year on Australian roads since 2012, with 1,300 fatalities.
This marks a shocking 18.5% increase from 2021, when a 10-year plan was launched to halve road deaths.
A Sharp Spike in Fatalities
The last quarter of 2024 saw a significant spike in road deaths, with 359 people losing their lives in just three months. This sharp increase has left many wondering what’s behind the alarming trend.
Is it a lack of enforcement, inadequate road infrastructure, or something else entirely?
As the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) points out, without access to detailed data on road safety, it’s difficult to identify the root causes of the problem.
Other Road Users Are Disproportionately Affected
While driver and passenger deaths slightly decreased in 2024, the same cannot be said for other road users.
Pedestrian deaths rose by 7.1% to 167, while cyclist deaths jumped by 11.8% to 38. Motorcyclist deaths increased by 10.3% to 278, making 2024 the deadliest year for motorbike deaths since 1989.
These alarming statistics highlight the need for urgent action to protect vulnerable road users.
State-by-State Breakdown
The data reveals significant variations in road deaths across different states and territories. Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory all saw increases in fatalities, while Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia recorded improvements.
New South Wales had the same number of deaths as in 2023. For example, the increase in Queensland’s road toll can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a growing population and an increase in vehicle usage.
On the other hand, Victoria’s improvement can be attributed to its proactive approach to road safety, including the implementation of safety cameras and education campaigns.
What Can Be Done to Reverse the Trend?
The AAA is calling on the Albanese government to require states to produce data on the safety scores of individual roads in order to receive federal funding for improvement.
This move is seen as a crucial step towards identifying and addressing the root causes of the problem. By working together, we can reduce the number of lives lost on our roads and create a safer, more sustainable transport system for all Australians.
As the AAA notes, “the lack of data is a major obstacle to progress, and we urge the government to take action to address this issue.”
Time to Take Action
The current trend is unsustainable and unacceptable. With the right approach, we can reduce the number of lives lost on our roads and create a safer, more sustainable transport system for all Australians.
It’s time for the government, states, and territories to work together to address the issue of road safety and ensure that our roads are safe for everyone.
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