The Toll on Our Roads

THE majority of people who died on Upper Hunter roads between January 2015 and June 2018 were not local, according to Transport for New South Wales.

There were a total of nine fatal crashes of which 56 percent of people who died were not local and the remaining 44 percent were residents of the Upper Hunter Shire council or neighbouring local government.

There were a total of 90 injury crashes in the same period of which 66 percent of people injured were local people.

Fatigue was a contributing factor to 44 percent of the fatalities, with speed remaining the number one killer.

Roads and Maritime Services said the bypass will help improve safety, traffic flow and travel times and signage will provide information about services and facilities in Scone and promote local visitor attractions.

Bernard Carlon, executive director Centre for Road Safety said there is a commonly held belief that it is city people or tourists unfamiliar with regional roads who are most at risk.

“The fact is that most drivers and riders involved in fatal crashes on country roads – 73 percent – are country residents,” said Mr Carlon.

“Speeding remains the biggest killer on New South Wales roads –however, fatigue, drink and drug driving and not wearing a seatbelt are also serious issues,” he said.

“By adopting safer behaviours on the road, everyone can play their part in reducing risks to themselves and their local community,” Bernard Carlon said.

Related story: Editorial: Hell’s Highway.