As Australians, we cherish the freedom of the open road, the vast landscapes that stretch from the red deserts to the lush coastlines. However, with this freedom comes a responsibility to acknowledge and address the risks that too often accompany our travels. In the lead-up to the Federal Election, the conversation around road safety has taken a sharp turn, with the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) shedding light on the darker side of our nation’s highways and byways.
The AAA, Australia’s foremost advocate for motorists, has recently published data that reveals the 25 federal electorates with the most alarming road tolls. This information is not just a set of statistics; it’s a stark reminder of the lives lost and communities affected by road tragedies.
Out of the 151 federal electorates, the national median road toll stands at six motorists per year. Yet, the figures become more harrowing when we look at the top 25 electorates, each exceeding the median by more than double. It’s a tragic reality that these areas are witnessing a disproportionate number of road fatalities, raising questions about road safety and infrastructure.
Michael Bradley, the managing director of AAA, has been vocal in his calls for greater transparency in crash data. He argues that road safety data should be a guiding force in determining where road funding is allocated, with the ultimate goal of reducing the nation’s road toll. ‘Road deaths are up across the nation and have increased in each of the past four years,’ Bradley stated, emphasising the urgency of the situation.
At the forefront of the list is the Northern Territory electorate of Lingiari. In 2024 alone, Lingiari reported a staggering 46 road fatalities. Despite its relatively low population, the vastness of the region, which encompasses all of the Northern Territory except for Darwin and Palmerston, presents unique challenges for road safety.
Following closely are electorates like Parkes in New South Wales with 38 fatalities in 2024, Durack in Western Australia with 32 in 2023 (2024 data pending), Maranoa in Queensland with 31 in 2024, and both O’Connor in Western Australia and New England in New South Wales reporting 30 fatalities each.
These figures are not just numbers; they represent fathers, mothers, children, and friends. They are a call to action. Lingiari, Durack, Maranoa, and O’Connor are part of the ‘big six’ electorates, which, along with Grey and Kennedy, cover more than 75% of Australia’s electoral land mass. These vast areas are predominantly rural or regional, where the risks of road travel are amplified by long distances, variable road conditions, and limited access to emergency services.
The AAA’s push for transparency is not just about saving lives; it’s also about restoring public confidence in government decision-making. Bradley suggests that if the data were made public, Australians could assess for themselves whether road funding is being used effectively to enhance safety or if it’s being diverted to win votes in marginal electorates.
In 2021, Australia’s federal, state, and territory governments committed to the 10-year National Road Safety Strategy, which set five main targets to be achieved by 2030. However, as we stand today, Australia is not on track to meet any of these targets. This is a sobering reminder that while we may have the best intentions, without concerted action and accountability, our goals for a safer future on the roads will remain out of reach.
As we navigate the roads of our vast country, let’s remember the importance of road safety and the impact it has on our communities. Whether you’re in the bustling city or the remote outback, the safety of our roads concerns us all. If you’re living near or frequently travelling through one of these high-risk electorates, it’s crucial to stay informed and advocate for the changes needed to ensure that every journey is a safe one.
How do you think road safety can be improved in high-risk electorates? Have you noticed any changes in road conditions or safety measures in your area? Share your thoughts in the comments below—your experiences and opinions matter in the conversation about safer roads for all.
Also read: This easy-to-miss roadside ‘sign’ could put your life at risk!
All that they ever seem to consider is to reduce speed limits. Road toll statistics prove that this doesn’t work, it seems the lower the limits go, the more impatient drivers seem to get.
They tried changing learners permit requirement by adding the requirement of driving hours prior to obtaining a licence, and then the colours of the P plates. Again these haven’t worked, the colour of the P plates only alerts the police what class they are; the extra hours are generally done with parents, and lets be honest, the majority of long term drivers have developed a few bad habits that they are inadvertently teaching their kids. The single law that I think will save quite a few of our young drivers, is reducing the number of passengers in the car to one (unless family). Less distractions, less risk of trying to goad them on and less risk of trying to act tough or cool.
The only way to reduce accidents is to actually teach people how to drive. Current and past requirements are only knowing how to read road signs and how to operate a vehicle. There is no requirement to know how to actually handle a vehicle – learning the limitations of your vehicle and others you may drive, how to adjust your driving according to weather or road conditions, actions to take if you lose control of your vehicle or an impending collision. Whether it is P platers or longtime drivers, very few learn or have these skills. This is reflected in the road toll, whether they be fatal or minor collisions. There are optional Defensive driving schools for anyone that wants to improve their skills. Defensive driving skills training shouldn’t be optional, I believe it is crucial they are made mandatory, for both car and motorcycle licences. There will always be accidents but if people actually learn how to control their vehicle, only then will numbers be reduced.
I totally agree with you Katz. I have seen some terrible drivers on the roads, some P platers, who are a danger to themselves and other drivers. In Scotland, where many of my relatives live, the testing for licences is much more strict than in Australia. One of my cousins, who was a driving instructor for a large part of his working life, said that most learners have to sit their test to get a licence two or three times. There is a low tolerance for the ‘close enough is good enough’, approach to driving on their roads. Another practice that I consider worthwhile is their law which states that ALL drivers, MUST pull back over to the far left lane immediately after overtaking. It makes driving much less stressful as drivers follow this directive almost without exception. I can’t stand driving in Australia, you never know what other drivers are going to do next. Don’t get me started on those who hog the middle lane, just because they can get away with it. It creates a situation where the drivers on either side could collide if both try to overtake that vehicle at the same time. I have seen some close shaves when this has occurred.
I agree to most of the comments by Katz & MMonty. I have noticed that over the past 10 years (at least) the quality of drivers has declined, and the patience of drivers has deteriorated. I have sold my cars because I did not feel confident to deal with road hogs who change lanes dangerously just to get one car ahead. Some immigrants come from countries that are not as strict on driver training. I think that its about time people were taught how to drive, think about other road users and have more patience on the roads. I am 75 and decided that I would be a risk to myself and others so I now do not have a car. It seems that people now are only taught how to pass their test. Reducing speed limits has done nothing to reduce accidents, only to reduce the severity of them, wake up and reduce the actual cause of accidents.