Labor’s Shadow Transport Minister Catherine King and Shadow Assistant Minister for Road Safety Glenn Sterle are urging road users to stay safe on our roads this festive season.
“This Christmas we urge all road users to take care and drive to conditions to make sure everyone gets to loved ones at home or on holiday,” Shadow Minister King said.
“There is too much loss of life and injury on our roads and many more lives changed forever,” Ms King said.
“We want to acknowledge all first responders for their tireless and selfless efforts when responding to those affected by road trauma,” Shadow Assistant Minister Sterle said.
The Labor Shadow Ministers also highlighted that the national road toll remains alarmingly high and with the ten-year National Road Safety Strategy expiring next year there is a real need for national leadership.
“In the last 12 months alone 1,183 people died on our roads, an increase of 1.5 percent,” Ms King said.
“As we enter the final year of the National Road Safety Strategy, the road toll is back at levels higher than five years ago,” Ms King said.
“We know from AAA analysis that only 9 of the 33 indicators will be met, while 8 still cannot be measured including the target to reduce serious injuries by 30 percent,” Senator Sterle said.
“The Federal Government must work with state and territory governments, law enforcement agencies, road safety experts and road users to deliver national action on road safety,” Senator Sterle said.
This festive season, please drive safely and spare a thought for those whose lives are changed forever by road trauma.
The Road Toll in the 12 months to November 2019:
· National – 1,183
· NSW – 358
· Victoria – 265
· Queensland – 225
· Western Australia – 162
· South Australia – 109
· Tasmania – 32
· Northern Territory – 27
· ACT – 5