National Road Safety Week (NRSW) officially begins today, marking a united national effort to honour lives lost and reduce the tragic toll on Australia’s roads. Each year, approximately 1,300 people are killed and another 44,000 are seriously injured on roads across the country.

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In 2024 alone, 334 lives were lost on New South Wales roads, with nearly 70% of those fatalities occurring in regional areas and 40% involving speeding. The theme for this year’s campaign, 'Drive so Others Survive', urges drivers to reflect on how their choices impact others.

So far, more than 73,000 people have taken the road safety pledge online, committing to safer driving habits.

Launch Events and Statewide Support

New South Wales is taking a lead role in 2025, hosting the national launch at the Sydney Opera House. Iconic landmarks will be lit up in yellow throughout the week as symbols of remembrance and action — including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Forbes Town Hall, Wollongong Lighthouse, and Parkes War Memorial.

The week is supported by the Minns Labor Government and is coordinated by the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group, founded by Peter Frazer OAM. The campaign honours his daughter Sarah, who was tragically killed in a road crash in 2012 after her car broke down on the Hume Highway.

New Initiatives: 'Beyond the Crash' Website

Coinciding with the week’s launch, the NSW Government has unveiled ‘Beyond the crash: Real life stories’, a new website spotlighting the human stories behind crash statistics. The site features a story wall and interactive map, highlighting the ripple effect of road trauma across communities.

Users are encouraged to share their experiences, which are vetted by Transport for NSW’s Centre for Road Safety to ensure relevance and community alignment.

Visit the website here: Beyond the Crash

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$2.8 Billion Road Safety Investment

The NSW Government has committed $2.8 billion over four years to bolster road safety. Key initiatives include:

  • Expanding road safety infrastructure across urban and regional NSW
  • Continuing the demerit point return trial for safe drivers
  • Releasing more bicycle helmet ratings under the star system
  • Introducing 2,700 new mobile speed camera enforcement sites
  • Using phone detection cameras to catch seatbelt violations
  • Tightening licence rules for international drivers
  • Trialling average speed cameras for light vehicles
  • Signing the National Road Safety Data Agreement with the Federal Government

A Message from the Minister

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison MP, said:

“National Road Safety Week is an important annual event to raise awareness about road safety and things we can all do to make our roads safer.

Get Involved

To take the pledge or learn more about this year’s initiatives, visit National Road Safety Week.

As the week unfolds, Australians are urged to reflect on their driving behaviours and take action — not just for themselves, but for everyone who shares the road.

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