Victoria has seen an increase in the number of deaths on its roads in 2022, prompting the Andrews government to renew its efforts to reduce road fatalities.
In 2022, a total of 240 people died on Victoria’s roads, compared to 233 the previous year. Most of these deaths occurred on regional roads, with 134 fatalities in rural areas compared to 119 in 2021. Metropolitan road deaths decreased from 114 to 106 during the same period. Many of the regional fatalities happened on roads with speed limits of 100-110 km/h.
Factors contributing to the fatalities included poor driver behavior, such as speeding and drug or alcohol use, as well as a high percentage (40%) of unlicensed motorcyclists.
In order to address the increase in road fatalities, the government is implementing initiatives targeted at groups of road users who are most at risk, such as vulnerable and unprotected road users, people who drive for work, and those who engage in risky behavior while driving. The Victorian government is also investing $49.4 million in installing fixed road safety cameras at 35 dangerous intersections and point-to-point highway camera systems, which will begin enforcing in 2023.
The state government urges all drivers to be cautious and make safe road choices this 2023. It includes slowing down, avoiding distractions such as phone use while driving, never driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, taking breaks when driving long distances, and being aware of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
The Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Melissa Horne, expressed her condolences to those affected by road trauma and emphasized the importance of making smart choices while driving.
“Our hearts go out to all those impacted by road trauma – we can’t accept that anyone should lose their life, or have it permanently changed, as a result of getting behind the wheel,” Minister Horne said.
The Minister for Police, Anthony Carbines, added that those who engage in dangerous behaviors like speeding, phone use, or drug or alcohol impairment would be caught.
“We want to see all Victorians making smart choices behind the wheel this new year and getting home safely,” Minister Carbines said.
Transport Accident Commission (TAC) Acting Chief Executive Officer Liz Cairns lamented the loss of over 240 lives on Victoria’s roads in 2022 and called on all drivers to play a role in making the roads safer.
“It’s tragic, it’s avoidable, and we need all Victorians to make safe choices and play a role in turning it around,” Cairns said.
Marcelo Vidales, the Acting Head of Road Safety Victoria, recognised the importance of ongoing efforts to protect all road users in the state.
“There is more to be done, and we will not stop working until all Victorians are safe on or around our roads,” Vidales said.
