Initiative targets safety on rural roads

THE NRMA has launched the Rural Roads Safety Month campaign in September to address the disproportionate number of people who die on country roads.

The 2024 road toll in NSW is presently 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.

It highlights the unique challenges of driving on regional roads through the wisdom of respected Elders.

Rural Road Safety Month is an initiative of the Australian Road Safety Foundation, supported by Transport for NSW.

This year’s theme is “Help sow the seeds of change; road safety starts with you.”

Among its messages, the initiative shares ideas on secure bike installation and caravan safety and promotes a helmet exchange program.

The Helmet Exchange Program for Aboriginal communities will be held on September 28 in Byron Bay, and Ballina on September 29.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said country residents face a disproportionate risk on the roads.

“Country residents make up about one-third of NSW’s population, however, nearly two-thirds of deaths occurred on rural and regional roads in 2023.

“We’re encouraging locals to do their part to keep their friends and loves ones safe this Rural Road Safety Month.

“Aboriginal people are also twice as likely to be killed on NSW roads as non-Aboriginal people and are four times more likely to be involved in crashes on regional roads, so I welcome the NRMA campaign featuring respected Elders with a strong message for regional communities.

“The long distances often travelled on rural roads mean there really is no room for complacency when you get behind the wheel.

“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.”