Extreme wet weather events, easing of COVID travel restrictions and increased business activities across NSW have contributed to an increase in fatalities, with 288 people dying on NSW roads in 2022.
Tara McCarthy, Deputy Secretary of Safety, Environment and Regulation at Transport for NSW, said while the overall road toll is up from the near 100-year-low of 275 in 2021. Last year's road toll is the third-lowest in the state since 1923 and remains below the pre-COVID average of 363 deaths a year (2017-19).
Narrandera Shire was fatality free last year for the first time since 2016, with 9 deaths in the five years from 2017 to 2021. In 2022, there were 25 local government areas across NSW that were fatality free. This is a great result for our community and others, demonstrating that a zero road toll can be achieved.
Fatalities on country roads increased in 2022, up from 194 in 2021 to 200 in 2022 but remain 18 per cent below the 2017-19 pre-COVID levels. With longer distances to cover in the country, it’s all too easy to become complacent about road safety. But one poor decision or one moment’s lapse in concentration can be the difference between life and death.
Extreme weather conditions contributed to an increase in fatalities on wet roads across the state compared to 2021. Sadly, 70 people lost their lives around the state on wet roads compared to 44 in 2021.
Speeding, drink and drug driving and fatigue continue to be the leading factors involved in death and serious injuries on our roads.
Last year, speeding contributed to 41 per cent of the road toll, with the majority of those being on country roads. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs was the key factor in 20 per cent and fatigue the leading factor in 14 per cent of deaths.
For the first time since records began in 1936, there were no recorded deaths in 2022 among children aged under 5 years.
The age groups that experienced the greatest increase in road deaths in 2021 were 5 to 16 year olds (from 15 to 19), 30 to 39 year olds (from 28 to 32) and 70+ year olds (from 51 to 62).
“The road toll isn’t just a number. It’s someone’s mum, dad, son, daughter, partner, or friend. Any death or serious injury is one too many and the NSW Government is continuing to roll out plans to help drive down our toll,” said Ms McCarthy.
As we start 2023, remember everyone has a part to play in bringing down the road toll. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and we need everyone to do their part – drive to the conditions (especially being mindful of roads with water damage), stick to the speed limit, make sure you’re well rested and never ever drive if you’re affected by drugs or alcohol.
Finally, a reminder that double demerits will apply Wednesday 25 January to Sunday 29 January inclusive to encourage safe driver behaviour. On Friday 27 January 2023 school zones will be in operation and drivers are reminded that additional penalties can apply for certain offences committed in school zones. Double demerits apply to offences for speeding, illegal use of mobile phones, not wearing a seatbelt and riding without a motorbike helmet.
