Australia’s road safety record is facing significant scrutiny as new data reveals a troubling increase in motorist-related deaths, marking the highest level in 15 years. The National Road Safety Strategy, introduced with the aim of reducing fatalities, is now under intense examination after 1,329 people lost their lives on the country’s roads in the year ending June 30, 2025. This figure represents the highest road toll since 2010.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has released quarterly benchmarking data showing that no state or territory is on track to meet the ambitious target of halving road fatalities by 2030. Since the implementation of the National Road Safety Strategy in 2021, there has been a 21.1 percent increase in road deaths, raising questions about the effectiveness of current measures.
Challenges in Meeting Road Safety Targets
Despite efforts to enhance road safety through the introduction of new speed cameras and technologies, the number of fatalities has continued to rise. In 2025 alone, road deaths increased by 3.3 percent compared to the previous year. While South Australia and the Northern Territory reported decreases in road deaths, the Northern Territory still holds the highest rate of fatalities per 100,000 residents.
Data revealed 19 people per 100,000 died on roads in the Northern Territory, followed by 8.3 in Tasmania, 6.1 in Western Australia, 5.3 in Queensland, 4.4 in South Australia, 4.2 in both NSW and Victoria, and 1.7 in the Australian Capital Territory.
Michael Bradley, Managing Director of the AAA, criticized the government’s strategy, stating that it is “clearly not working.” The AAA, representing state-based motoring clubs with 9.5 million members, has called for a reassessment of the approach to road safety.
The Role of Data and Transparency
The Benchmarking Report, drawing from the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) statistics, highlights the areas where Australia is failing to meet its road safety goals. Notably, pedestrian deaths increased by 15 percent, with 192 fatalities in the year leading to June. Additionally, 38 cyclists and 264 motorcyclists were killed, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.
The AAA aims to shed light on these alarming statistics to “de-politicise road funding and enable evidence-based safety interventions.” Bradley praised New South Wales for releasing previously confidential safety ratings of its roads, a move he believes will enhance transparency and accountability.
“This national leadership is to be congratulated, and it will save lives by improving transparency, accountability, and by ensuring road investment dollars get spent where they are most needed,” Bradley said.
Looking Ahead: Strategic Changes Needed
Bradley emphasized the importance of the Commonwealth’s recent decision to link road funding with the provision of road safety crash data, calling it a positive step. However, he urged the government to do more in publishing and analyzing the valuable information it collects.
The Australian Road Assessment Program (ARAP) plays a crucial role in evaluating road safety. It rates roads based on risk factors such as average daily traffic, speed limits, lane width, and the presence of safety measures like barriers and rumble strips. These assessments are vital for identifying areas in need of improvement and ensuring that road safety investments are effectively allocated.
As Australia grapples with its rising road toll, the focus must shift towards innovative and evidence-based strategies. The current trajectory suggests that without significant changes, the 2030 target of halving road fatalities will remain out of reach. The government, alongside organizations like the AAA, must collaborate to develop and implement solutions that prioritize the safety of all road users.
