Figures released by the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) show road fatalities are at their lowest since 1946, marking 10 years of consecutive decreases.

 

According to the report, road deaths have decreased by 26 per cent over the last decade. Figures released for December show 1,292 lives were lost on the nation's roads during 2011 - a 4.4 per cent reduction on 2010. This fall continues the downward trend over the last five years. 

 

Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport, Catherine King, said the Government is working to reduce the national road toll even further through the implementation of the new National Road Safety Strategy.

“Even more encouraging is the 22 per cent drop in the number of young driver fatalities compared with 2010. The 2011 figures for driver fatalities in the 17 to 25 age bracket are also 34 per cent lower than those recorded in 2007," Ms King said.

“These figures reflect the proactive road safety initiatives pursued by Federal and State governments over recent years; the efforts of police and the greater care being taken by motorists when behind the wheel."

 

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