Australia’s rising road toll: What the latest data shows

In 1970, a shocking 3,798 people lost their lives on Australian roads, a figure that became a national call to action.

Over subsequent decades, sweeping safety reforms helped cut the toll dramatically.

Victoria became the first jurisdiction in the world to introduce mandatory seatbelt laws. Random breath testing began, and speed cameras became common fixtures on major highways. These measures made Australian roads safer and saved countless lives. By 2019, the annual death toll on our roads fell by 71% compared with the 1970s.

However, recent statistics show the long-term decline has stalled and reversed. In the 12 months to mid-2025, the national road safety data hub recorded 1,340 people died on Australian roads, a 15 year high and about 2.9% higher than the previous year.

So, what is contributing to this rise in the number of deaths on our roads, and what can we do to save lives on our roads?

Road toll statistics around Australia

Across the states and territories, fatalities remain unacceptably high:

• New South Wales recorded one of the highest tolls since 2017, with over 300 deaths in 2025.
• Victoria and Queensland also saw significant numbers of lives lost, both with over 200 deaths in 2025.
• Western Australia saw a rise from 181 deaths to 204 deaths, a 13% increase from the previous year (31 July 2024 – 31 July 2025).
• Other jurisdictions reported mixed results, with some decreases in deaths but persistent concern among road safety authorities.

Source: Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics

How does our road toll compare internationally?

According to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) international road death comparisons, Australia’s rate of 4.7 deaths per 100,000 population was ranked 20^th out of the 34 countries. This shows Australia’s road fatality rate is roughly midpoint among peer nations, with countries such as Norway, Sweden and Iceland reporting lower rates due to sustained safety investments and infrastructure.

Tragically, road accidents are a leading cause of death for Australians aged 15–24, accounting for around one in four deaths in this age group.

Contributing factors to the rising road toll

Multiple factors contribute to the current trend:

• More vehicles and changing travel patterns, including higher overall traffic volumes after COVID-10 pandemic-era shifts.
• Speeding remains a key risk factor, contributing to a large proportion of fatal crashes.
• Distracted driving, particularly due to mobile phone use, increases the risk of serious collisions.
• Impaired and tired driving continue to claim lives despite ongoing awareness campaigns.

Studies also show that pedestrian fatalities have risen sharply in recent years, indicating risk for vulnerable road users. 

What can we do to bring down our road toll?

The Australian Government and all states and territories are working toward the national goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on our roads by 2050, focusing on a number of areas such as better infrastructure planning, improving the safety of regional and remote roads, higher vehicle safety standards and awareness campaigns around risky road use.

But there are a few simple ways drivers can take to protect themselves, their families and all road users.

Here are five actions all drivers can take to stay safe on our roads:

1. Slow down

Driving even slightly over the speed limit puts yourself and others in danger. Driving just 5km per hour less greatly reduces the risk of death or serious injury if you do crash.

2. Minimise distraction

Avoid using your phone while driving by putting it on ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode or storing it out of reach, and if you need to take calls or messages, always pull over safely before doing so.

3. Avoid drivinge tired

Driving after being awake for 17 hours means you are just as impaired as someone with a blood alcohol level of 0.05. Make sure you’re well rested before heading off on a trip, and take regular breaks on a long journey – 15 minutes every two hours.

4. Never drink and drive

We all know this one. If you’re drinking, plan to have a designated driver, take a taxi or use a rideshare service, or make use of public transport

5. Always wear a seatbelt

Wearing a seat belt significantly cuts the risk of a fatal injury if you are in a crash. Always make sure you buckle-up when you get in a car.

If you or a loved one have been injured on the road, we can help.

Use our free claim check tool to find out if you have a claim, or contact us today to speak with one of our expert road accident lawyers.