Friday 31 st May marks the 2024 Fatality Free Friday. A community driven initiative where all drivers in NSW are encouraged to focus on their own individual behaviour in an effort to reduce road trauma.
The Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF) has released new data to mark the occasion showing that almost 2 in 3 (64%) New South Wales drivers admit to breaking road laws, with 1 in 4 (25%) drivers committing an offence at least monthly 1 .
Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said safety should be front of mind.
“One day of conscious driving resulting in no fatalities could turn into one week, one month and even one year of no deaths on our roads,” Mr Toole said.
“NSW Police are present on all our streets, highways and back roads but it is you as the driver who can end preventable fatalities and injuries.
“Despite our best efforts, road trauma is still on the rise and it is our family, friends and communities who suffer the most from these tragedies.
“We have seen 17 road deaths in NSW in the past 13 days alone. This steering NSW towards one of the deadliest years on record.”
2023 ended with shocking road statistics that labelled 2023 as one of the deadliest years on NSW roads.
The NSW road toll for 2023 was 353. Already in 2024 we have seen 147 lives lost on NSW roads, 23 more than this time last year.
NSW Police Inspector Peter Foran said road safety is everyone’s responsibility.
“One death on our roads is one too many, NSW Police are doing everything we can to keep road users safe but the key to reducing accidents lies in taking responsibility for yourself, your family, your passengers, and every other road user,” Mr Foran said.
“This is a fresh chance for drivers to reevaluate their driving and rectify some bad habits.
“Whether it be doing a few kilometres over the speed limit or glancing at a mobile phone, each and every driver needs to think about the consequences these simple mistakes can have.”
According to the ARSF research, over 8 in 10 New South Wales residents say road safety messages have had a positive impact on their behaviour.
ARSF Founder and Chief Executive Officer Russell White said the research reiterated that a future free from road fatalities could only be achieved if people acknowledged their role within the bigger picture.
“At the end of the day, the fatal five – speeding, driving inhibited, driving fatigued, not wearing a seat belt and being distracted – are choices that an individual makes,” Mr White said.
“Fatality Free Friday works to tackle the big picture vision of a New South Wales where not one person has their life cut short because of a preventable road crash.”