Tragically, 355 individuals lost their lives on NSW roads in 2025, including 30 in the Hunter region alone.
And, alarmingly, that statewide figure has hit 127 already in 2026.
Locally, Lake Macquarie recorded 11 of those 30 deaths, the second-highest toll for fatalities behind the Mid-North Coast.
Now, Hunter communities, such as Maitland, are not only illuminating landmarks to encourage safer driving but also start conversations about the topic.
The town lit up Morpeth Bridge and painted a yellow ribbon at Queen Elizabeth II Park to mark the beginning of National Road Safety Week (17-24 May).
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) executive director for transport safety Chadi Chalhoub admitted too many lives were still being lost on NSW thoroughfares.
“Behind every crash statistic is a moment, a decision, a choice that could have been made,” he said.
This year’s message is blunt: Drive So Others Survive.
“In 2026, we are shining a spotlight on distraction,” said Peter Frazer OAM, president of Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group, an initiative founded following the 2012 death of Sarah Frazer.
“We can choose to put down our phones, clear our minds and give the road the full attention it demands.
“Distraction costs lives.
“And, that is a choice we can change.”
The warning’s just as direct: most fatal crashes aren’t coincidental.
In fact, the majority involve behaviours people can control:
- 37% speeding
- 19% fatigue
- 17% drug driving
- 14% drink driving
“I don’t want any other family to experience the same loss we went through when we lost our darling Sarah,” Mr Frazer said.
“She never leaves our hearts or minds for a minute.
“So, this week, we’re asking people to be aware of their own behaviour on the roads, to make it safer for everyone.”
TfNSW and the SARAH Group are urging every driver to take a simple pledge: slow down, stay off the phone, don’t drive under the influence and take regular breaks.
“This is why Transport for NSW is focused on influencing behaviours within our control,” Mr Chalhoub said.
“Such as speeding, through the expansion of the mobile speed camera network to an additional 2,700 locations across NSW since 2023; illegal mobile phone and incorrect seatbelt use, addressed through mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras; and early intervention through education programs like the Road Safety Education Program.
“Because the difference between getting home safely and not is often just one decision.”
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