A decrease in the Riverina’s road toll between 2017–18 has been described by emergency services and road-safety advocates as a major step to stemming the problem.
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Data by the state government’s Centre for Road Safety shows the Southern Region recorded 36 deaths in the 12 months to November 2018.
This is 13 fewer than the previous year.
Wagga Police Acting Inspector Phil Malligan said the reduction was attributed to a couple of factors.
“To the high level of policing on the road, high visibility of police being out there,” Inspector Malligan said.
“But most importantly, members of the public who are out there adhering to the conditions of the roads, to the speed and fatigue issues, which are really important.
One fatality is one too many.
- Acting Inspector Phil Malligan, Riverina Police District
The decrease comes at the same time a reduction in road deaths during the 2018–19 summer holidays so far.
A 19-year-old female died days after a single-vehicle crash on the Sturt Highway at Galore on December 22.
About one week later, a 20-year-old man died west of Albury after his utility vehicle ran over him while he camped.
In the 12 months to December 30, 2018 there were 353 fatalities across the state, down from 389 in 2017.
Despite the downward trend in the past year, Inspector Malligan said that “one fatality is one too many”.
“A young 19-year-old was killed just outside of Wagga just prior to Christmas … there is a family without a loved one,” he said.
Riverina paramedic John Larter said that while the reduced number is welcomed, he also shared Inspector Malligan’s sentiment about improving the situation even more.
“It’s very distressing for everyone involved to actually go to these horrific events, but there’s been a really good emphasis on road safety,” Mr Larter said.
“Road deaths have a profound effect on you, there’s no doubt about it.
“It’s dealing with families and the grief associated with it – it’s very difficult.”
Mr Larter said incidents usually involve a range of factors, such as fatigue, alcohol and inexperience.
“It’s a chain of events that are often unbroken, which is why you end up with catastrophes,” he said.
“If you see someone who’s tired or have been drinking, stop them.
“Make sure your car is maintained – there are so many things you can do to mitigate accidents.”
Across the state this summer, there has been six road deaths compared with 20 in the previous period.
One initiative helping the cause is the Driver Reviver program, which is run by volunteer groups and offer free coffee and snacks at rest stops across highways.
The Tumut Lions Club usually holds a station along the Snowy Mountains Highway during major holidays, including today to welcome the new year.
Member Albert Manning encouraged motorists to use these free services more often.
“We always encourage them to stop and enjoy our hospitality because it doesn’t hurt to slow down and potentially save a life or two,” Mr Manning said.
The 75-year-old said that while there had been no major incidents in the area since the club began volunteering seven years ago, he said “you can never be too sure”.
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