NSW records lowest road death toll in almost a century

In 1923, 231 people died on NSW roads. That year, 68,398 vehicles were registered in NSW, then a state of 2.2 million people. The following year, 309 people died.

In 2021, with 5.8 million vehicles and 8.1 million people, the state recorded 270 road deaths, the lowest since that year almost a century ago.

NSW has recorded its lowest road death toll in almost a century.

An additional 725 people would have died on NSW roads over the last decade if it weren’t for a steady reduction in the annual road toll, according to the NSW government.

“That’s 725 people who would be missing around the family dinner table,” Deputy Premier Paul Toole said.

“While we’re pleased to see the road toll at a near 100-year low, even one life lost on our roads is one too many, which is why we will keep working to drive the road toll towards zero.”

Mr Toole said every driver needed to contribute to achieving that goal.

“Stick to the speed limit, wear your helmet or seatbelt, put the phone away and never, ever drive if you’re affected by drugs or alcohol,” he said.

The government is celebrating the state’s success at reaching a target set in 2012 to reduce road fatalities 30 per cent by 2021.

Road toll figures include drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists killed in accidents across the state.

According to the government’s data, the 2021 record low was on track even before the Delta outbreak ground economic activity and travel to a halt.

During the first half of 2021, 139 people died on the state’s roads, 25 less than the average of 2018-2020.

“Every loss is a tragedy for the person’s friends and family, which is why it is so pleasing to see road fatalities declining over the last decade,” Metropolitan Roads Minister Natalie Ward said.

She said the figures showed a $822 million Safer Roads program was working, by reducing urban speed limits, upgrading intersections and constructing pedestrian refuges and crossings.

The number of road deaths per capita in NSW has dropped significantly over the last 50 years, from a peak in 1970, with improved vehicle safety and improved law enforcement likely having a major impact.

Regional Transport Minister Sam Farraway said the regional road death toll in 2021 was among the lowest on record.

“In the bush, distance often means more time spent on the road and it’s all too easy to become complacent about road safety,” he said.

“We’re working hard to make regional roads safer including record investment on life-saving treatments like safety barriers, rumble strips and wide centre lines but we need everyone to do their bit when they get behind the wheel to ensure they and other road users get home safely.”

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