National Road Safety Week Highlights Need for Safer Regional Roads

National Road Safety Week Highlights Need for Safer Regional Roads

Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Roads and Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer is calling on motorists across the Mid North Coast and New South Wales to make safer choices behind the wheel during National Road Safety Week (17–24 May.

This year’s theme, “Drive So Others Survive,” serves as a powerful reminder that every decision made on the road can have life-changing consequences. 

Mr Dwyer said road trauma continues to have a devastating impact on regional communities including within the Port Macquarie electorate.
 

“Every year, around 1,300 Australians lose their lives on our roads and tens of thousands more are seriously injured.”

“Behind every statistic is a family grieving a loved one, a life permanently altered, and a community affected by tragedy,” Mr Dwyer said.

Local crash data reveals that between 2020 and 2024, 16 people lost their lives and 199 people were seriously injured on roads across the electorate, resulting in an estimated economic and social cost of $235 million.

Mr Dwyer said regional areas continue to face unique road safety challenges.

“Longer travel distances, higher speed limits, deteriorating road conditions and driver fatigue all increase the risks for regional motorists,” Mr Dwyer said.
 

“I also want to acknowledge the incredible work of our emergency services personnel and volunteers who respond to these traumatic incidents and support families during their darkest moments.”

Recent data also highlights several concerning trends:

Older road users accounted for 44 per cent of fatalities.

Speeding and fatigue each contributed to 31 per cent of fatal crashes.

Alcohol was a factor in 25 per cent of all fatalities.

“These are not unavoidable accidents, they are preventable tragedies,” Mr Dwyer said.

“I totally support Transport for NSW’s “Towards Zero” vision, aimed at eliminating deaths and serious injuries on NSW roads.

“Governments must continue investing in safer roads and stronger infrastructure, but every driver also has a responsibility to make safe choices.”

“This National Road Safety Week, I urge all motorists to slow down, avoid distractions, rest when tired, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” Mr Dwyer said.

“The message is simple: Drive So Others Survive.”