While NSW enjoys its record lowest road toll for January, road safety experts warn against complacency
February 5, 2013
Although the 17 fatalities on NSW roads in January this year set a monthly record for the lowest number of road deaths since 1936, road safety managers have warned motorists to maintain safe driving habits.
Transport for NSW Road Safety Centre General Manager Marg Prendergast commended NSW drivers for maintaining safe driving habits over the month of January, and thanked NSW Police for its efforts across the recent holiday period.
There were 17 fatalities in January 2013 which is 15 less fatalities than January last year.
“We can confirm based on the provisional figures as at February 1 that this January has had a very low road toll, not just for recent months, but for any month of any year over the past three-quarters of a century,” Prendergast says.
“One life lost, is one life too many, but January 2013 could become the lowest monthly road toll in NSW since the monthly statistics began in 1936.”
Prendergast says despite the positive signs there were still far too many crashes and injuries on NSW roads during the recent Australia Day long weekend.
“Although there were zero deaths on our roads over the Australia Day long weekend, there were almost 700 major crashes and 196 injuries,” she says.
“While we are pleased with the reduced level of fatalities on NSW roads, the need to reduce the level of serious injury on our roads remains a key challenge.”
Australian Medical Association (NSW) President Brian Owler welcomed the preliminary road toll data but asked drivers to continue to say safe on NSW roads.
“The message to drivers is to remain vigilant and always act responsibly on our roads – for your safety and that of your family and other road users,” he says.