MEDIA RELEASE
2
JANUARY 2010
2009 SOUTH WEST REGION ROAD TOLL INCREASES
An RTA spokesperson said there had been a disappointing increase in the 2009 road
toll in South Western NSW.
“It is extremely tragic to know that 57 people have lost their lives on South Western
regional roads – that’s 57 too many,” the spokesperson said.
“The 2009 provisional road toll of 57 was a 63 per cent increase from the much lower
figure of 35 recorded in 2008.
“It is no cliché to say every death on the roads is a tragedy for the friends and family
of those involved.
“Speed and fatigue remain major factors in crashes on NSW roads, with speed-
related fatalities increasing by 40 per cent from 2008.
“Last year, 46 per cent of fatalities involved speed in NSW. 213 people died in speed
related crashes in 2009, compared with 152 in 2008, a 40 per cent increase.
“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 fatal crashes involved driver fatigue. In 2008, 16 per cent of
fatalities involved driver fatigue.
“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 continues to invest in NSW roads.
“This includes a record $4.4 billion road budget for 2009/2010 and initiatives such as
hosting the Australasian Road Safety Conference and holding the Road Safety round
table last year.”
The spokesperson said the recent completion of the Hume Highway duplication
project, including the Coolac bypass and duplication of the Sheahan Bridge, would
improve conditions for motorists.
“There is now a dual road on the Hume Highway from Sydney to Melbourne, except
for the town bypasses of Tarcutta, Holbrook and Woomargama, where work will be
starting this year.
“Safety upgrades on the Newell Highway will continue after the holiday period.
“Improvements at four rural road intersections along the Newell Highway are almost
complete, while the upgrade of the intersection of the Newell Highway and Temora to
West Wyalong Road, five kilometres east of West Wyalong, is expected to be
completed by mid 2010.
“Sadly, the key issues on the 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 
