No one is directly accountable for making Australia’s roads safe.
The recent Inquiry into the National Road Safety Strategy found a lack of Federal Government leadership is a key reason for our stalled progress.
On 12 September, the Inquiry into the National Road Safety Strategy released its final report.
The Inquiry says the Federal Government must show national leadership in curbing our road toll.
Its report included 12 recommendations to reduce road trauma.
One of the most important jobs for Government is keeping Australians safe.
The Inquiry has given the Government a plan, but we are still waiting for a detailed response.
It’s time our politicians stepped up to coordinate a systematic national approach to road safety.
Since Inquiry reported on 12 September*
Every year, thousands of Australians are admitted to hospital because of road crashes. Often these are life-changing injuries, such as paralysis, brain injuries, amputations or loss of sight.
38, 148 people were treated in Australian hospitals for road-related injuries in the 2015-16 financial year. This equates to 3,179 people a month, 105 a day or more than 4 an hour.
*based on average injuries for July 2015 – June 2016. Actual injuries may vary.
Since Inquiry reported on 12 September*
There were 1,222 deaths on Australian roads in 2017-18 (only one fewer than 2016-17).
The AAA’s quarterly Benchmarking of The National Road Safety Strategy shows that for the first time all states and the NT are on track to miss targets all governments agreed to in 2011. The ACT is the only state or territory set to meet its agreed 2020 road death reduction target.
*based on average fatalities for July 2017 – June 2018. Actual fatalities may vary.
Since Inquiry reported on 12 September
The social cost of road deaths is both obvious and immeasurable, but the economic implications of Australia’s road safety crisis can be quantified.
Research commissioned by the AAA has measured the economic Cost of Road Trauma in Australia. Loss of life and well-being, vehicle damage, disability care and other impacts imposed a $29.7 billion blow to the national economy in 2015.
