Australia’s road toll lowest in 65 years

Official figures for road deaths in 2011 were released during the week and show a total of 1292 fatalities were recorded. That’s the lowest annual figure since 1946. But while the Government is applauding its policies, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) says advances in car safety are the main cause.

Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport, Catherine King, said, “These figures reflect the proactive road safety initiatives pursued by Federal and State governments over recent years; the efforts of police and the greater care being taken by motorists when behind the wheel.

“Even more encouraging is the 22 per cent drop in the number of young driver fatalities compared with 2010. The 2011 figures for driver fatalities in the 17 to 25 age bracket are also 34 per cent lower than those recorded in 2007.”

In fact, compared to 2010, a drop in deaths was recorded in all age brackets except for those aged over 70, which increased by 13.2 per cent.

Similarly, all states and territories recorded a drop in road deaths, except Victoria, which remained static, and Queensland, up by 8 per cent. Drive reports these two states are the only jurisdictions to employ hidden road cameras.

FCAI Chief Executive Ian Chalmers said, “There are a number of factors that contribute to a reduction in the road toll. But right at the top of the list is the massive improvements in motor vehicle safety.”

As evidenced by the video above, many new cars now come with a five-star safety rating. And the time it takes for new and improved safety features to trickle-down from expensive cars to more affordable vehicles is also dropping. On top of that, car affordability for Australians is the best it has been in over three decades.

Although, as Catherine King reminds us, “There is no room for complacency. In the 12-day period around Christmas and New Year, 50 people were killed on Australian roads.”

The first step to safer roads starts with driver attitudes and a willingness to act in the interests of all road users.

[Source: Department of Infrastructure & Transport | Drive]