Speed, fatigue and failing to wear a seatbelt all common factors in this year’s crash data

Victoria’s annual road toll has been described as “truly devastating”, with a jump in the number of deaths among the state’s most vulnerable road users.

Victoria’s annual road toll has been described as “truly devastating” due to a jump in the number of deaths among the state’s most vulnerable road users.

A total of 280 lives had been lost on the state’s roads as of December 30.

It is just 14 fewer than the same time in 2023, which was the highest total in 15 years.

Only a sharp fall in December fatality numbers, including the festive period, has so far kept this year’s toll below last year’s horror number.

Road safety Police Commissioner Glenn Weir says the road toll is devastating. Picture: Jason Edwards

Assistant Commissioner of Road Policing Glenn Weir said although the total lives lost was down slightly, more fatal collisions had occurred.

“The loss of life we’ve seen on the roads this year is truly devastating,” he said.

“A moment’s inattention or a simple mistake is all it takes to cause a crash. The consequences last a lifetime.”

The increase in the number of vulnerable road users – pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists – compared to 2023 has alarmed road safety authorities.

The total lives lost was down slightly this year compared to last year but more fatal collisions occurred.

Motorcyclist death numbers jumped to 65, compared to 53 this time last year, and well above the five-year average of 45.

Transport Accident Commission head of safety ­Samantha Cockfield also ­labelled the state’s road toll as “devastating”.

Speed, fatigue and failing to wear a seatbelt were all common factors in this year’s crash data, Ms Cockfield said.

Every single death was a tragedy, she said, and the ripple effect among each victim’s family, friends and workmates had a lasting impact.

Motorcycle fatalities have increased this year.

TAC data also showed that the number of deaths on country roads fell from 172 in 2023 to 149 this year, despite the poor state of many rural roads where potholes are alarmingly common and dangerous, ­especially for motorcyclists.

The condition of the country road network prompted criticism that the state government was putting “lives at risk” with a “Band-Aid fix” response to the problem.

The Motorcycle Riders Association Australia issued a festive message to its members to stay safe during a busy period for recreational riders: “Be nice to one another. Share the road. Stay alert. If you look for hazards, you’ve got a chance to avoid them.

“Road users can make mistakes and some of our roads are neglected and dangerous.”