Australia’s rising road toll
“Data shows an increase in #speeding and running red lights in NSW and Victoria. ‘People have less patience with #traffic now after the #roads were much quieter for years.”

“There were 1,204 deaths on Australian roads in the 12 months to 31 March, an almost 6% increase. Of the total deaths, 557 were drivers, up 2.2%, while 189 were passengers, up 3.8%. #Pedestrian deaths increased by 22.6%, rising to 163, while motorcyclist deaths climbed 7% to 246.”

“People in regional Australia were almost five times more likely to die in road #crashes than those living in cities last year, the latest statistics show.'

“#Children involved in a fatal crash are eight times more likely to have been struck by an SUV than a standard car.”

“The exponential rise in freight truck and heavy vehicle movements has far outstripped population growth.”

Reduce #RoadFatalities> “Design roads to appear riskier, which would slow down traffic and force users to consider each other. As driving becomes automated and requires less constant attention, it has de-skilled us as drivers.”
#Infrastructure for #walking and #cycling would help. Meanwhile, #Bellingen widens country roads..

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/may/21/australias-rising-road-toll-how-the-pandemic-and-a-love-of-big-cars-are-putting-lives-at-risk
#SUV #TaxPerks #Trucks #AngryMotorists #RoadDeaths #RoadTrauma #RoadDesign #AutomaticDrivingModes #MobilityDesign