Fewer lives lost on roads, but still too many: police

POLICE are keen to build on a downturn in the state's road trauma statistics late last year, after Victoria recorded its fourth–lowest lives lost figure since Transport Accident Commission records began more than 35 years ago. Traditionally the state's deadliest month for road fatalities, the 10 lives lost in December was Victoria's second–fewest in 2022, with police hoping the late turnaround in road trauma projections reflects meaningful change in driver behaviour across the state into 2023. However, despite a relatively quiet end to the year, the 240 lives lost on Victorian roads was seven higher than 2021 figures, and saw 135 motorists lose their lives on country roads, having increased from 120 in 2021. Road trauma in the North East was limited, with Wangaratta (2), Alpine (3), Wodonga (3) and Mansfield (2) local government areas each recording minimal fatalities throughout 2022, with the bulk of road fatalities recorded by Goulburn Valley (26), Bendigo (19), Dandenong (18) and Geelong (17) police divisions. Speeding was the leading suspected cause of fatalities statewide, while failing to give way, illicit drugs, alcohol and mobile phones were also common contributors to road deaths. The 240 lives lost across the state were a direct result of 238 separate fatal collisions, 236 of which were single vehicle collisions, up from 202 the year before. Acting assistant commissioner road policing, Justin Goldsmith, said police were committed to further limiting "needless loss of life" going forward. "While the number of lives lost is only slightly above the previous year when there were still significant travel restrictions due to COVID, its crucial to stress any life lost is one too many," he said. "These are not just numbers – each represents a mother, father, brother, sister, child or friend whose life has been needlessly cut short. "Often it is behaviours within our control like choosing to speed, driving after a few drinks or texting behind the wheel that results in the most catastrophic road trauma. "That's why you will continue to see us right across the state checking your speed, conducting alcohol and drug tests and removing unlicenced and suspended drivers from the road." Road trauma has largely declined in the 35 years since TAC records began, peaking at 776 in 1989 before reaching its lowest point, 211, in 2020.