Road death tolls have risen in Australia after pandemic restrictions were eased and severe weather caused flooding and treacherous driving conditions around the country.
The New South Wales (NSW) road death toll has risen from a historic low, with the state government announcing 288 people died on the roads in 2022, up from the low of 275 in 2021 but still below the pre-pandemic average which was nearing one death every day.
Transport for NSW safety, environment and regulation deputy secretary Tara McCarthy says the road roll is the third-lowest in 100 years, but the government is committed to reducing road deaths to zero by 2050.
“The road toll isn’t just a number. It’s someone’s mum, dad, son, daughter, partner, or friend,” she said in a statement on Monday.
“Any death or serious injury is one too many, and the NSW government is continuing to roll out plans to help drive down our toll.
Speeding was the main factor in more than 40 percent of all road deaths in NSW last year, with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs the key factor in 20 per cent and fatigue the leading factor in 14 per cent of deaths.
About 70 people lost their lives in wet weather conditions, a jump of 44 in 2021, amid extreme rainfall and flooding across the state.
McCarthy urged drivers to take care on the roads over the remaining holiday period, particularly if they’re driving in the wet.
“If you’re travelling this summer, please make sure you slow down and drive to the conditions, especially when the weather is wet,” she said.
“If you come across floodwater, stop, turn around and find another way.”
The number of people killed on Australian roads had already reached 1191 by November 30, according to federal figures, but was set to rise as states finalise December statistics.
Queensland recorded its highest road death toll in 13 years, with 299 in 2022, as the number of people killed on Tasmanian roads surged and Victoria’s count also rose.
ROAD DEATH TOLL BY JURISDICTION IN 2022:
* Queensland: 299, up from 277
* NSW: 288, up from 275
* Victoria: 240, up from 233
* Tasmania: 50, up from 35.
