Rural
3 August, 2026
Rural road toll sparks fresh safety plea
The Australian Road Safety Foundation is urging motorists to take extra care on country roads as Rural Road Safety Month gets underway
The Australian Road Safety Foundation is urging motorists to take extra care on country roads as Rural Road Safety Month gets underway, with more than two-thirds of the state's road deaths this year occurring in regional areas.
The annual campaign encourages road users to "Join the Journey" by making safer choices behind the wheel throughout August.
The call comes after 183 people lost their lives on NSW roads in the first six months of 2026, including 123 fatalities in regional areas.
Drivers accounted for the largest number of deaths on country roads, with 68 fatalities, while 23 motorcyclists were also killed. Men made up 92 of the regional road deaths, and 24 people aged 70 and over also lost their lives.
Roads and Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison said rural roads presented unique challenges, including higher speed limits, fatigue, long travel distances and changing road conditions.
She said the Government had recently announced a further $230 million investment through Round 3 of the Towards Zero Safer Roads Program, including $114 million for 24 regional road safety projects.
According to the Government, upgrades have already been completed or are underway at 147 regional locations through the first two rounds of the program.
The campaign encourages motorists to slow down, avoid distractions, wear seatbelts, never drive tired or impaired, and make safe decisions every time they travel on regional roads.
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