New data has shown that deaths on Australian roads increased by 11.7 per cent over the past year – with the number of child deaths almost doubling.
Figures collected by the Australian Automobile Association found that there were 1,310 road fatalities in the 12-month period ending June 30, 2024.
It marks the deadliest year on our roads since the same number of fatalties was reported in the 12 months preceding November 30, 2012.
Of those who died, 531 were driving a vehicle, 218 were passengers, and 155 were pedestrians. The remaining 406 deaths were cyclists or motorcyclists.
New South Wales had the highest number of deaths, with a 23 per cent increase (up from 291 to 358), while deaths in Victoria rose by 9 per cent (from 266 to 290).
There was an 8.6 per cent increase in deaths in South Australia (up from 93 to 101), an 8.4 per cent increase in Queensland (from 273 to 296), and a 0.6 per cent increase in Western Australia (from 175 to 167).
Deaths in the Northern Territory more than doubled, from 26 to 54.
Only Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory saw fewer deaths over the past year, with 27 in Tasmania (down 30.8 per cent, from 39 deaths) and eight in the ACT (down 20 per cent, from 10).
The Government has a target of reducing road deaths by 50 per cent by 2030.
Michael Bradley, managing director of the Australian Automobile Association, said the latest figures raise “serious questions” around the credibility of this goal, and the National Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030.
“In the 12 months to the end of June, Australia’s annual road deaths were 19.4 per cent higher than when the Strategy began and were 39.1 per cent above the trajectory needed to achieve the 2030 road deaths target,” he said.
“Every state and territory government has valuable data on road quality assessments, crash causes, and the effectiveness of law enforcement measures, including involvement of speeding, drink driving, drugged driving, and mobile phone use in crashes. But they do not share this data.
“Data transparency would reveal valuable insights to guide road investment, law enforcement, and policy changes. It would also increase public confidence that road funding is being spent where it can be most effective in saving lives.”
However, he said the Queensland government is providing a glimmer of hope.
“In April, the Queensland Government agreed to help tackle the escalating road safety crisis by sharing crucial road safety data with the Commonwealth and the public. And in May, the Albanese Government committed to including data transparency requirements in the Commonwealth’s next five-year road funding deal with states and territories.
“The AAA calls on the Albanese Government to deliver on this commitment, and on the other states to follow Queensland’s lead.
“All governments should move quickly to address our national road safety crisis.”