Territory’s 2024 jump in road deaths second worst in nation, new data shows

Only the ACT, which is prone to statistical volatility due to its typically low number of road deaths, saw a greater year-on-year rise in the toll than the Territory. AANT says it is keeping up the fight to drive the tragic number down.

Two women killed in an alleged hit and run near Dripstone Cliffs on the morning of November 7 are among 59 who lost their lives on Territory roads in the 12 months to November 30, 2024. Picture: Zizi Averill

The Territory’s year-on-year rise in lives lost on the road in 2024 is the second worst in the nation, according to new data compiled by the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics.

According to the data, 59 lives were lost on Territory roads in the 12 months to November 30.

Just 29 were lost in the corresponding 12 months in 2023, representing an increase of 103.4 per cent.

Only the Australian Capital Territory – with 11 lives lost, compared to 3 last year – was higher, although the jurisdiction typically records fewer than 18 deaths each year, leading to statistical volatility.

Between the other six states, the maximum year-on-year rise was 8.6 per cent (Queensland), while South Australia’s road toll fell by 17 per cent.

AANT CEO Simon Matthias. Picture: File

The average Australian year-on-year rise in road fatalities was 6.1 per cent.

Nationwide, November was the deadliest month since December 2017, with 129 fatalities recorded.

In a statement, the Automobile Association of the Northern Territory (AANT) described this year’s road toll in the NT as “staggering”.

“Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy, and the Territory’s sharp increase in road fatalities highlights the urgent need for innovative, community-driven solutions,” CEO Simon Matthias said.

“At AANT, we are dedicated to being part of the solution, taking immediate action through initiatives like our Blooms for Blokes road safety campaign, which we launched at the beginning of December.”

Blooms for Blokes, which ran in Darwin and regional Coolalinga, called on Territorians to give a flower to the men they love and care about, reminding them of how much they matter, according to AANT.

“The harsh reality is that for many men, the first time they receive flowers is at their funeral,” the association said.

Mr Matthias said men were the target of the campaign because they were statistically more likely (two and a half times) to lose their lives on the road than women.

“A lot of men don’t take the time to talk about their safety, especially when it comes to driving,” the CEO said.

“There’s this ‘it won’t happen to me’ mentality, but the reality is, it’s more likely to happen to you.”

Originally published as Territory’s 2024 jump in road deaths second worst in nation, new data shows