Road safety in Australia continues to face significant challenges, with national road death tolls climbing and economic pressures altering vehicle maintenance and insurance behaviours.
The Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) reported 1,291 fatalities in the 12 months ending Oct. 31, 2024, a 4.9% increase from the previous year’s 1,231 deaths. This marks the deadliest October since 2016 and the 27th consecutive month of year-on-year increases.
The BITRE data highlighted a troubling trend of rising road deaths in most states and territories.
New South Wales recorded a 3.7% increase in fatalities, Victoria saw a 5.8% rise, Queensland experienced a 1% uptick, and Western Australia reported a 7.1% jump.
Meanwhile, the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory recorded the steepest surges, with fatalities growing by 200% and 89.3%, respectively.
Only South Australia (-11.2%) and Tasmania (-5.9%) reported declines in fatalities over the 12-month period. However, these improvements are insufficient to put either state on track to meet the targets of the National Road Safety Strategy 2021-30, which aims to halve road deaths and reduce serious injuries by 30% by 2030.
Michael Bradley, managing director of the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), is calling for an accelerated response to the rising road tolls.
He pointed to the need for detailed crash data to address underlying causes and emphasised the role of evidence-based policies in reversing current trends.
“These figures and their continued climb again show that Australia’s current approach to road safety is not working,” he said.
He underscored that improved data transparency, mandated under the Federation Funding Agreement on transport infrastructure, could save lives by identifying the factors contributing to fatal crashes.
In South Australia, older drivers have become an increasing concern, with nearly half (46%) of road deaths in 2024 involving individuals aged 60 and older, according to the Royal Automobile Association (RAA). This figure significantly exceeds the five-year annual average for this age group, which previously accounted for 31% of fatalities.
Despite a decline in road deaths compared to 2023, serious injuries in the state have risen significantly, reflecting broader challenges in achieving the Road Safety Strategy to 2031.
Rising costs of living are prompting Australians to change how they manage vehicle maintenance and insurance, according to a survey by automotive service provider mycar Tyre & Auto.
The survey of 2,004 vehicle owners revealed that 60% have altered their maintenance habits, with 77% taking on some tasks themselves to reduce costs, underscoring the complexity of Australia’s road safety challenges.
Approximately 24% of respondents reported delaying regular servicing, while 21% opted for cheaper repair options.
Insurance coverage has also been affected, with 49% of respondents adjusting their policies. Notably, 27% switched to lower-cost insurance plans, 11% cancelled coverage altogether, and 14% reported difficulty affording premiums.
