NSW has recorded its lowest road toll in almost 100 years, with 270 deaths on our roads in the past 12 months.
The 2021 road toll is 14 less than 2020. This is the lowest it has been since 1923 when there were 231 road deaths and NSW had a population of 2.2 million, less than one-third the size it is today.
More than 700 lives have been saved on roads across NSW over the past 10 years, with the NSW Government successfully achieving its 2012 State Priority Target to reduce fatalities by 30 per cent by 2021.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Police, Paul Toole, said a concerted effort had been made to achieve an ongoing reduction of the road toll across the last decade.
“An additional 725 people would have died on NSW roads in the past 10 years had the State’s road toll remained at the same level as it was between 2008 and 2010 – that’s 725 people who would be missing around the family dinner table,” Mr Toole said.
“While we’re pleased to see the road toll at a near 100-year low, even one life lost on our roads is one too many, which is why we will keep working to drive the road toll towards zero.
Locally there have been 11 fatalities in Narrandera Shire in the past 10 years. Most of those fatalities have been in the last five years.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the figures released today were among the lowest on record for regional roads.
“In the bush, distance often means more time spent on the road and it’s all too easy to become complacent about road safety,” Mr Farraway said.
“We’re working hard to make regional roads safer including record investment on life-saving treatments like safety barriers, rumble strips and wide centrelines but we need everyone to do their bit when they get behind the wheel to ensure they and other road users get home safely.”
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the figures released today show that even before the Delta outbreak in the second half of 2021, NSW was on track to achieve record low road fatalities.
“During the first 6 months of 2021, there was a record low 139 people killed on NSW roads, 25 less than the average number of people between 2018 and 2020,” said Ms Ward.
Any death on our roads is one death too many. Everyone needs to do the right thing – stick to the speed limit, give yourself plenty of time to travel, make sure you’re well rested, wear your helmet or seatbelt, put the phone away and never, ever drive if you’re affected by drugs or alcohol
Remember the road toll isn’t just a number. It represents lost loved ones; husbands, wives, sons, daughters, friends and colleagues. The impact of the loss is far reaching and long lasting. Each life lost is one too many. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Let’s strive for an even lower road toll in 2022 and move towards zero fatalities on our roads.
