Australia’s peak motoring body, the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), has urged the government to establish a new organisation dedicated to investigating road transport fatalities. This call comes after a concerning rise in road deaths last year, highlighting the need for more comprehensive measures to improve road safety.
According to the latest statistics released by the AAA, there were 1,195 road fatalities in Australia in 2019, a 0.5% increase from the previous year. This marks the third consecutive year of rising road deaths, and the AAA is deeply concerned about this trend.
The organisation believes that a dedicated body, similar to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) which investigates aviation, marine and rail accidents, is necessary to address the complex and multi-faceted nature of road crashes. Currently, investigations into road fatalities are conducted by state and territory police, but the AAA argues that a separate entity with a national focus is needed to provide a more comprehensive approach to road safety.
AAA Chief Executive Michael Bradley said, “The current system of police-led investigations into road fatalities may not be sufficient to tackle the increasing number of deaths on our roads. We need a dedicated organisation that can thoroughly investigate these tragedies and provide evidence-based recommendations to improve road safety for all Australians.”
The call for a new organisation is supported by the families and friends of road crash victims, who have long been advocating for a more proactive approach to road safety. These individuals are passionate about preventing others from experiencing the same pain and loss they have endured and believe that a specialised body could help achieve this.
One key benefit of a dedicated road transport fatality investigation organisation would be the ability to collect and analyze data from all states and territories. Currently, there are discrepancies in the way each jurisdiction records and reports road fatalities, making it challenging to have a national overview of the issue. With a centralised approach, it would be easier to identify common factors and trends, and develop targeted strategies to reduce road deaths.
The AAA also suggests that the new organisation could work closely with state and territory police forces, sharing their findings and expertise to enhance road safety efforts. This collaboration would enable a more coordinated and efficient response to road crashes, leading to better outcomes for all road users.
Furthermore, the establishment of a dedicated organisation would demonstrate a strong commitment from the government to tackle the issue of road fatalities. It would send a clear message that road safety is a national priority and that the government is taking tangible steps to address the issue.
The call for a specialised road transport fatality investigation organisation is not a new concept. The AAA has been advocating for this for many years, and it is about time that the government takes action. With the number of road deaths on the rise, urgent and effective measures are needed to ensure the safety of all Australians on our roads.
In addition to the establishment of a dedicated organisation, the AAA is also urging the government to invest in road infrastructure improvements, education and awareness campaigns, and the implementation of technology to support safe driving practices.
The government must also work closely with the AAA and other road safety organisations to develop a national strategy to reduce road fatalities. By working together, we can make our roads safer and prevent the heartbreaking loss of lives due to road crashes.
In conclusion, the call for a dedicated organisation to investigate road transport fatalities is a necessary step in the fight against rising road deaths in Australia. With a national approach and strong collaboration between all stakeholders, we can make our roads safer for everyone. The government must act now and demonstrate its commitment to the safety of all Australians on our roads.
