Road deaths in Australia have reached the highest level on record since 2010.
Government data shows 1,337 people died on roads across the country in the year to 31 May – a 4.8% increase in deaths compared to the previous year.
The peak motoring body, the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), has called on the Federal Government to “show national leadership” and “get to the bottom of this worsening crisis.”
Latest figures
The increase in road fatalities over the last year was due to higher numbers of cyclist and pedestrian deaths.
Deaths increased in most parts of the country. Tasmania saw the biggest annual rise, with 43.3% more fatalities than the previous year.
The ACT reported a 28.6% increase in road fatalities for the year to May, while WA recorded a 12.1% increase.
However, road deaths were lower in the NT and SA compared to the previous year.
Your contribution ensures The Daily Aus can continue doing the work you love.
I want to give $10 monthly to help TDA keep doing the news.
Your details:
National strategy
The rising death toll comes despite a campaign by federal state and territory governments to halve road deaths and reduce critical injuries by 30% by 2030.
No state or territory is currently on track to meet its targets, according to figures from the AAA.
AAA Managing Director Michael Bradley said the new figures show the strategy is “either not working or not being delivered.”
Response
Transport Minister Catherine King told TDA that “improving road safety” is a Government priority.
“We are consistently working with state and territory governments, local governments and other stakeholders like the AAA to lessen the road toll,” she said.
Shadow Minister for Transport Bridget McKenzie told TDA: “The national road toll is a tragedy and the fact the Labor Government continues to ignore the rising toll is deeply concerning.”
