Today marks the beginning of National Road Safety Week.

Every year on Australian roads, approximately 1300 people are killed and another 44,000 are seriously injured.

In 2024, 334 people were killed on New South Wales’ roads, with almost 70 per cent of those in regional areas and around 40 per cent related to speeding.

The overarching theme of National Road Safety Week this year is Drive so others Survive, with road users encouraged to make a road safety pledge.

So far, more than 73,000 pledges have already been taken online.

From Sunday evening the Sydney Harbour Bridge will be illuminated yellow to mark the start of National Road Safety Week.

There will also be landmarks illuminated across regional NSW including the Forbes Town Hall, Wollongong Lighthouse and the Parkes War Memorial.

To coincide with the launch of NRSW, the NSW Government has launched a powerful new website to shine a light on those affected by crashes on the state’s road network.

Beyond the crash: Real life stories highlights the people behind the road crash statistics, reinforcing that every death on our roads isn’t just a number, it represents a real person, and a ripple effect felt by families, friends, and communities.

The site features a story wall and interactive map, allowing users to explore crash stories by location. Through these stories, the platform aims to encourage safer driving attitudes and behaviour.

People across the state are encouraged to submit their own stories, which are reviewed by the Centre for Road Safety at Transport for NSW to ensure they reflect the site’s purpose and meet community guidelines.

To check out the website, go to Beyond the crash: Real life stories.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said National Road Safety Week is an important annual event to raise awareness about road safety.

“Road crashes affect more than just the people directly involved. They ripple through families, communities, and lives in ways that are often felt long after the crash. Tragically so far this year – as of midnight 8 May – 131 people have lost their lives on New South Wales roads,” she said.

“I’m calling on everyone to make safe decisions on New South Wales roads, whether driving a car or a truck, riding a bike, or out and about as a pedestrian. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility.

“The week is also about reflection, considering the devastating effects that dangerous driving can have on communities. Every death on our roads isn’t just a number – it’s someone’s mum or dad, brother or sister, child or friend,” she said.

Transport for NSW secretary, Josh Murray, said Transport for NSW strives every day to put road safety at the forefront and improve safety for everyone.

“The choices we make every day when we get behind the wheel are extremely important and I urge everyone this National Road Safety Week and every week to make safe decisions on the road –  please buckle up, ensure your passengers are buckled up and drive so others survive – the life you save could be your own or one of your loved ones,” he said.

“The Beyond the crash: Real life stories website is a place where people who have experienced road trauma can share their experiences and encourage others to have an open conversation about road safety.

“It’s also a sobering reminder how one mistake or wrong decision on the road can take a life – whether it’s your own, someone you care about, or someone else’s loved one whose world is about to be turned upside down.

“We thank everyone who has had the courage to share their loss publicly. The deaths of their loved ones in road crashes caused unimaginable grief which is felt every single day.

“Their stories are powerful and highlight the impact of road trauma. Every time you get behind the wheel you need to drive so others survive.”