Tackling Australia’s road safety challenges with smart solutions

Australian roads are in the spotlight. With road fatalities reaching their highest levels in more than a decade, action is needed to address growing concerns about driver behaviour, vehicle safety, and infrastructure design.

Here, we dive into the current state of road safety in Australia, explore practical recommendations, and look to an optimistic future where Australian roads are safer for everyone.

The lowdown on road safety statistics in Australia

In 2024, Australia experienced its highest annual road toll in 12 years, with 1,300 fatalities, according to annual road fatality data collated by the federal government’s Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE). This increase was notably driven by a rise in pedestrian, cyclist, and motorcyclist deaths, particularly in Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory. ​

The National Road Safety Data Hub – a new information hub launched in late 2024 – aims to help inform governments, researchers, industry and the public on critical road safety data and insights. As of February 2025, the Hub reported that of all fatal road crashes in the past 12 months, 29.3% (349) happened in 100 km/h zones. Fatal crashes in 60-75 km/h zones had the greatest increase over the past 12 months.

The biggest road safety challenges currently facing Australia

We spoke to a HSE advisor from Viva Energy (who operate Shell-branded service stations in Australia) to discover the biggest road safety concerns facing Australia right now.

1. Speeding

“Speeding remains a pervasive issue on Australian roads, contributing significantly to road accidents and fatalities.”

2. Accidents on country or remote roads

“Country and remote areas face insufficient road infrastructure, which is directly challenging road safety.” Road design, signage, and maintenance are some of the many factors that require improvement and affect road safety in rural areas. “Fatigue also plays a major part in the current challenge of reducing accidents on country/remote roads,” says the HSE advisor.

3. Distracted drivers

“Drivers today are easily distracted by mobile phones, in-car technology such as navigation systems and passengers in their vehicles. Distracted drivers make up a high percentage of all reported accidents when investigation outcomes are identified.”

How to keep Australian roads safe

Reducing blinding glare when driving, never driving with fatigue, and avoiding distractions wherever possible are a few ways to keep Australian roads safer. “Reducing driver distraction and drug driving is essential, as is improving safety for vulnerable road users,” says the HSE advisor.

He also says “technology, presence and education” are three key factors that will help keep Australian roads safer for Australian drivers and vulnerable road users, including cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists.

Keep focused and stay present

It’s a no-brainer that practising focused, safe driving habits will help keep you safer on the roads. However, in our fast-paced world – where brightly coloured outdoor billboards advertise luxurious holidays and young children beg parents for snacks at every moment – distractions when driving are common. 

The proof is in the pudding: a report titled ‘What is known about distracted driving?’ commissioned by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) to the Griffith Criminology Institute discovered distracted driving is a key factor in road crashes. “Distractions can be both inside (e.g., using a mobile phone or wearable technology, eating, drinking, talking with passengers) or outside a vehicle (e.g., looking at roadside advertising or navigating complex road contexts),” the report writes. It also reveals: “Research suggests that the reaction time of drivers who speak on a mobile phone while driving increases by approximately 18%.”

Adapt technology

“Technology has revolutionised how we drive, ride, and navigate, significantly improving road safety for all users,” says the HSE Advisor. “Advanced helmets with built-in communication systems and crash detection provide extra protection for motorcyclists. Cyclists can benefit from radar-enabled bike lights that alert them to approaching vehicles, helping them stay aware of their surroundings. These innovations foster a safer environment for everyone on the road, reducing risks and promoting awareness among all road users.”

The future of road safety in Australia

Despite the challenges on Australian roads, the future holds promise. With advancements in technology, stronger policies, and greater public awareness, road safety can improve dramatically. By embracing innovation, prioritising education, and fostering a culture of responsible driving, we can work towards a future where safer roads are a reality for all of us.