Confronting road safety campaign video launched just in time for Easter
The Territory government has launched a new confronting road safety campaign “built on a shocking fact”. Watch the video.
Northern Territory
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The Northern Territory government has revealed its shocking new road safety campaign ahead of the Easter long weekend.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the campaign was necessary following the “horrific and unprecedented” amount of lives lost on Territory roads in 2024.
“Last year, the Northern Territory recorded the highest number of road deaths in a decade, including a rise in pedestrian fatalities,” Ms Finocchiaro said.
“These aren’t just numbers — these are lives cut short, families grieving, and communities left shattered.
“Our message this Easter is clear: drive like our lives are worth living.”
By this stage last year, 18 Territorians had lost their lives on Territory roads — this year the number is six.
Motor Accident Compensation commissioner Will Oliver said the new campaign was “built on a shocking fact”.
“On average 40 Territorians lose their lives on our roads each year — that’s four times the national average,” Mr Oliver said.
A major factor in last year’s historic road toll was alcohol and drugs, with these being a factor in 75 per cent of deaths last year.
Ms Finocchiaro pleaded with Territorians to be responsible leading up to the Easter long weekend.
“We need Territorians to understand the reality of their decisions,” she said.
“Distractions, fatigue, drug and alcohol affected driving could mean they don’t return home safely this Easter.”
The new campaign coincides with increased road safety policing and presence over the Easter holiday period to crack down on bad eggs.
Superintendent Rick Magree said police would be focusing their efforts on drink and drug driving, which he said were factors involved in close to 75% of road fatalities in the NT last year.
“RBTs are definitely going to be the biggest thing that you’ll be seeing on the roads,” Mr Magree said.
Police demonstrated their RBT capabilities on Wednesday, pulling over dozens of cars outside Fannie Bay Gaol.
“If you’re travelling this Easter, please be mindful that you will see a lot more police presence on the road.”
Acting commissioner Martin Dole described policing over this period as a “huge mission”.
“We’ll be out to make sure people are abiding by the road rules and reminding road users that we might be just around the corner,” he said.
“So rethink if you’re going to have a drink or drive drug affected.”
The announcement comes on the same day Territory Labor complained to the Department of Infrastructure regarding the type of star picket the CLP were using for their federal election signs.
The letter, obtained by the NT News, accused the Country Liberal Party of using “non-frangible star pickets” to erect election placards.
“The policy’s rationale is clear: preventing fatalities and serious injuries in the event of accidents,” Territory Labor secretary Karlee Dalton wrote in the letter.
“It’s concerning that the Country Liberal Party might have deliberately ignored this safety protocol, especially considering the prominent display of the Chief Minister’s image on many signs and the fact that they are an institutional party of the Northern Territory and are aware of the policy.”
The CLP was contacted for comment.
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