MEDIA RELEASE
2
JANUARY 2010
2009 HUNTER REGION ROAD TOLL INCREASES
An RTA spokesperson said there has been a disappointing increase in the 2009 road
toll across the Hunter region.
“It is extremely tragic to know that 76 people lost their lives on Hunter roads last year
–
that’s 76 too many.
“This compares to 66 people killed in the Hunter region in 2008.”
The spokesperson said the provisional 2009 end of year road toll of 76 in the Hunter
region was a 15 per cent increase on the previous year which had been a record low
of 66.
“In 2008, the road toll was the lowest since World War Two but last year numbers
climbed again.
“It is no cliché to say every death on NSW roads is a tragedy for the friends and
family of those involved.”
The spokesperson
said speed remains the major factor in crashes throughout NSW
with a 40 per cent increase in speed related fatalities.
“In 2009, 46 per cent of fatalities involved speed.
“213 people died in speed related crashes in 2009, compared with 152 in 2008.
“People are becoming complacent and thinking that driving even five or 10 kilometres
above the speed limit is acceptable or that a crash ‘won’t happen to them’.
“Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth and that is reflected in the fact
that people are killed at a rate of more than one a day.
“While speed remains the highest killer on the roads, fatigue is also an issue. In
2009, 18 per cent of fatalities involved fatigue, compared to 16 per cent of fatalities in
2008.
“Since 1944,
the number of vehicles on NSW roads has increased 15 fold, the
number of licensed motorists has increased 11 fold and the NSW population has
doubled.
“The government will continue to do all it can to make the roads in the Hunter safer.
“This includes a record $331 million budget spend for 2009/2010 in the Hunter,
including $24 million on black spot projects.
“Road safety upgrade projects include a $4.5 million upgrade on the Golden
Highway; a $300,000 investment in a median barrier on the Pacific Highway at
Koorianghat; a $500,000 safety upgrade on the New England Highway in the
Branxton, Liddell and Scone areas; and new traffic lights on Victoria Street in Kurri
Kurri as part of the NSW Government’s $17 million program to replace multi-lane
marked pedestrian crossings at 59 locations across NSW.
“Sadly, the key issues on NSW roads remain speeding, driving while fatigued and
drink-driving.
“Drivers are urged to stick to the speed limit and drive to road conditions, not to drink
and drive and to plan ahead for trips, including rest breaks,” the spokesperson said.
CONTACT:
RTA Media Unit 8588 5999
NEWS 
