SEPTEMBER is Rural Road Safety month, with the Australian Road Safety Foundation encouraging all road users to get involved and help make a significant reduction in road trauma.

Now in its seventh year, the national awareness campaign targets regional and rural road safety throughout September, and is designed to highlight the additional risks when driving on rural and remote roads across Australia.

Despite being less populated areas, deaths on rural and remote roads accounted for almost two thirds of the 2023 road toll.

To the end of August, the 2024 road toll in New South Wales was 198 – 16 more than the same time last year.

Alarmingly, despite making up only one third of the population of NSW, more than 70 per cent of fatalities occurred outside Sydney.

The NRMA has launched an awareness campaign to increase visibility about road safety on country roads. The campaign features First Nations Elders sharing important road safety messages to help drivers become more aware of their surroundings and reduce the number of crashes and fatalities on country roads.

Moree NRMA country service centre proprietor Doug Hill said the road safety campaign was an important reminder to drive safely and responsibly at all times.

“Driving safely on rural roads across New South Wales, and the entire country for that matter, is a priority all year-round,” Mr Hill said.

“There is a big difference between driving on city roads and country roads, and motorists need to be aware of wildlife, especially in country regions like Moree.

“There are kangaroos in abundance during all seasons, and wild pigs are becoming a big problem as well. Drivers not used to the conditions need to be aware of this sort of thing on rural highways and country roads, especially early morning and late afternoon – we get most of our call-outs at dawn and dusk,” he said.

Moree NRMA country service centre proprietor Doug Hill and roadside-assist mechanic Corey Scriven advise motorists to always be on the look-out for wildlife on the rural road network (Image Copyright).

The campaign is supported by the NSW Government and reminds drivers to watch out for wandering wildlife at dawn and dusk, to wear seatbelts correctly, take regular breaks on long trips, and to slow down and always drive to the conditions.

Joining the NRMA for the campaign were Uncle Mathew Priestly from Gomeroi Country, Aunty Paula Duncan Munro from Kamilaroi Country, and Uncle Noel Butler from Yuin Country.

NRMA Chief Membership Officer Victoria Doidge said regional NSW was over-represented in deaths and injuries on the state’s roads.

“For over 100 years the NRMA has been a trusted voice on road safety, and we continue to look for innovative and engaging ways to advocate for greater road safety outcomes for motorists, particularly those who are living in rural and regional areas,” Ms Doidge said.

“Our rural and regional communities are the backbone of our country, and deserve to have the same road safety conditions of those who live in metropolitan areas. We want to ensure that people continue to travel to the regions, and can get to their destination safely.

“Unfortunately this year we have seen the road toll continue to increase, particularly across rural NSW. Every life lost is a tragedy and we must do everything we can to ensure motorists make it home safely to their loved ones.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison welcomed the NRMA campaign’s focus on regional communities.

“The long distances often travelled on rural roads mean there really is no room for complacency when drivers get behind the wheel,” she said.

“I would urge drivers to take regular breaks, don’t drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, obey speed limits, follow the advisory signs, be alert to wildlife and drive to the conditions, and always wear a seatbelt.

“And, whether you’re a local or a visitor, please take extra care while driving through rural or regional areas. By making safer choices, we can help everyone get home safe.”