Spike in drivers killed on our roads, 11 lives lost

TAC data has revealed an increase in drivers killed on local roads from one in 2021 to six this year.

There has been a spike in driver fatalities on local roads in the last 12 months, data shows. Picture: Alison Wynd

Police are urging drivers to remain vigilant over the New Year period as data reveals a spike in driver deaths across the region’s roads this year.

According to Transport Accident Commission data, 11 people died on the region’s roads over the past 12 months – 10 in Greater Geelong and one along the Surf Coast. In 2021, 10 people died across the region.

The data found a significant increase in driver deaths, up from one in 2021 to six.

In July a 53-year-old female driver died when her car collided with a bus at the intersection on Autumn and Pakington streets.

A 64-year-old woman died in a four-vehicle crash outside the Waurn Ponds shopping centre in August.

A 53-year-old woman died after her yellow hatchback collided with a bus in Geelong West in July this year. Picture: Alison Wynd

A 64-year-old woman died in hospital after three cars and bus collided outside of the Waurn Ponds shopping centre on Pioneer Road in August this year. Picture: Alan Barber

But despite the increase in driver deaths, the region recorded a significant decrease in pedestrian fatalities – dropping from six in 2021 to one this year.

A 55-year-old pedestrian died after he was hit by a tow-truck on Latrobe Terrace in June this year.

Geelong Highway Patrol Sergeant David Brockway said police targeted problematic behaviours – like drink driving, drug driving and speeding – through operations held throughout the year.

Police statistics, obtained by the Geelong Advertiser earlier this month, found drug driving continued to outstrip drink driving.

Police recorded 414 positive drug tests in the region in the year to August 31, compared to 270 drink drivers.

The statistics found motorists have now returned more positive drug tests than alcohol tests in the region every year since 2017, when 458 drug drivers were nabbed compared to 397 drink drivers.

TAC acting chief executive officer Liz Cairns said communities like Geelong felt the long-lasting impacts of road trauma.

“There’s no single answer as to why trauma levels fluctuate among road user groups, and while nearly every crash involves multiple causal factors, inappropriate speeds are a factor in most fatal and serious injury crashes,” she said.

“We know that if we all make safe choices then serious road trauma could be substantially reduced.”

Greater Geelong recorded more road deaths than Colac-Otway (6), Greater Bendigo (6), and Ballarat (10).

As roads remain busy over the New Year and into the peak tourist period, authorities are urging drivers to slow down.

“Take your time, there is no rush ... your holiday destination will still be there so please slow down,” Sgt Brockway said.

Originally published as Spike in drivers killed on our roads, 11 lives lost