Friday 30 August 2024: The NRMA is encouraging motorists to drive safely on country roads this Rural Road Safety month, as the road toll across NSW continues to climb.
The 2024 road toll in NSW is currently 198 – 16 more than the same time last year. Alarmingly, despite making up only one third of the population of NSW, over 70 per cent of fatalities have occurred outside Sydney.
To address this, the NRMA has launched an awareness campaign to increase visibility about road safety on country roads. The campaign features First Nations Elders sharing important road safety messages to help drivers become more aware of their surroundings and reduce the number of crashes and fatalities on country roads.
The campaign is supported by the NSW Government and reminds drivers to watch out for wandering wildlife at dawn and dusk, to wear seatbelts correctly, to take regular breaks on long trips, and to slow down and always drive to the conditions.
Joining the NRMA for the campaign were Uncle Mathrew Priestly from Gomeroi Country, Aunty Paula Duncan Munroe from Kamilaroy Country, and Uncle Noel Butler from Yuin Country.
NRMA Chief Membership Officer Victoria Doidge said regional NSW was over-represented in deaths and injuries on the state’s roads.
“For over 100 years the NRMA has been a trusted voice on road safety, and we continue to look for innovative and engaging ways to advocate for greater road safety outcomes for motorists, particularly those who are living in rural and regional areas,” Ms Doidge said.
“Our rural and regional communities are the backbone of our country, and deserve to have the same road safety conditions of those who live in metropolitan areas. We want to ensure that people continue to travel to the regions, and can get to their destination safely.
“Unfortunately this year we have seen the road toll continue to increase, particularly across rural NSW. Every life lost is a tragedy and we must do everything we can to ensure motorists make it home safely to their loved ones.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison welcomed the NRMA campaign’s focus on regional communities.
“The long distances often travelled on rural roads mean there really is no room for complacency when drivers get behind the wheel,” she said.
“I would urge drivers to take regular breaks, don’t drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, obey speed limits, follow the advisory signs, be alert to wildlife and drive to the conditions, and always wear a seatbelt.
“And, whether you’re a local or a visitor, please take extra care while driving through rural or regional areas. By making safer choices, we can help everyone get home safe.”
Rural Road Safety Month runs for the entire month of September. Watch the NRMA Rural Road Safety Month ad campaign here.
