The ACT is the only state or territory set to meet its agreed 2020 road death reduction target. 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.

There were 1,222 deaths on Australian roads in 2017-18 (only one fewer than 2016-17). Two years out from the Strategy’s target date, fatalities remain far higher than the rate needed to meet the strategy’s agreed goal.

AAA CEO Michael Bradley said this is the worst result so far recorded by the AAA’s benchmarking process.

“Our current approach to road safety is disorganised; it lacks transparency, consistency and accountability,” he said.

“Data collection and research aren’t being coordinated or harmonised, and there are no consequences for failing to deliver agreed outcomes.

“Road deaths and injuries cost the national economy more than $29 billion a year, and the social and human costs are immeasurable.

“The Federal Government must reinstate federal oversight of road safety data collection and the Strategy’s implementation.”

The AAA’s Benchmarking report tracks progress against the agreed target of reducing road deaths by at least 30% between 2011 and 2020.