Stats: Territorians still making ‘stupid’ decisions on Territory roads
Territorians celebrated New Year’s Eve a little too hard, with traffic policing statistics revealing many drivers are still making “stupid” decisions. Read the details.
Northern Territory
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NT Police have demonstrated their policing priorities for 2025 in the hopes of avoiding another shocking year on Territory roads.
Sixty lives were lost on Territory roads in 2024 — the highest figure since 2008.
Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley labelled the tragic figure a “national disgrace”.
A dive into the grim statistics reveals some worrying trends, with regional and rural roads claiming nearly two-thirds of fatalities in 2024.
Men were also the largest demographic, representing 40 out of the 60 fatalities.
However, Superintendent Rick Magree revealed the biggest factor contributing to the Territory’s high fatalities was drugs and alcohol.
“Seventy-five per cent of fatalities on Territory roads this year have involved alcohol and drugs,” Superintendent Magree said.
With New Year’s Eve traditionally a time of celebration, the latest NT Police road safety campaign, Operation Angove, was in full force.
Acting Senior Sergeant Chris Wilson detailed police traffic operations on New Year’s Eve to this masthead.
“Territory-wide there were 10 random breath test stations which tested 2260 people, resulting in 21 positive alcohol tests, three positive drug tests, two vehicle defects and 41 traffic infringement notices,” Sergeant Wilson said.
“There were nine arrests and 12 notices to appear in court through Operation Angove last night.”
These statistics included four arrests, five notices and 30 infringements in the Darwin and Palmerston area.
There were nine positive alcohol readings and 10 infringement notices handed out in Alice Springs.
“It is disappointing to see any positive RBT results, let alone over 20 for alcohol and three for drugs,” Superintendent Evans Kelly said.
The night of revelry was eclipsed by an earlier operation in Palmerston outside a pub in December.
Police Commissioner Michael Murphy said in that operation, 14 out of 17 drivers were over the legal limit.
“They’re stupid, really,” Commissioner Murphy said.
“If you get in the car after having a drink you’re making a bad choice and it could kill you.”
Operation Angove will run throughout the festive season, with police promising to be anywhere and everywhere to catch reckless and intoxicated drivers.
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Originally published as Stats: Territorians still making ‘stupid’ decisions on Territory roads
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