Road Safety

NT road fatalities as at 29 January 2010 - 4

Latest News

School's in, watch out and slow down

Roads around schools are about to become very busy again, as young Territorians return to school from their holidays on Wednesday 27 January.

We all need to play our part to reduce the risks so we can make it a safe return to the new school year. Motorists are urged to keep a watchful eye for children around school zones and parents are urged to remind children about road safety.

Remember:

when Children Crossing flags are up at schools, drivers must stop for pedestrians
40km/h school zone speeds limits are in force from 7am to 5pm on school days
use Children Crossings when walking or riding to school, and
park sensibly when dropping children off to school, not on yellow lines or at bus stops.

Novice Drivers

The Northern Territory Government is committed to improving safety for young drivers and driver behaviour on our roads. As part of the 2008 election commitments a new package of road safety initiatives were announced, including the introduction of a new driver training and education program.

Reducing the Territory Road Toll

As a result of years of road carnage, the Northern Territory Government in November 2006, announced a comprehensive package of road safety reforms. The road safety reforms target sanctions, enforcement, education and road safety coordination.

One person dies and nine are seriously injured on Territory roads each week. This poor road use culture has resulted in Territory drivers being three times more likely to be killed than drivers anywhere else in Australia.

This appalling road safety record is the key finding of the Northern Territory Road Safety Taskforce Report 2006, Safer Road Use: A Territory Imperative.

The majority of Territory road users drive carefully and safely, but they are at risk from irresponsible drivers who choose to speed, drink and drive, run red lights and drive when they’re tired. Reducing the road toll in the Territory will only be achieved with a change in road use culture. This means all road users sharing the responsibility.

Remember: A safer Territory is in our hands.

Current Campaigns

Muttacar Sorry Business

Muttacar Sorry Business, an Aboriginal phrase meaning motorcar grief, is a play addressing key road safety issues such as drink and drug driving, overcrowding vehicles, speeding and not wearing seatbelts.

(more information)

Motorists to give way to buses

Under new legislation motorists will have to give way to buses in built-up areas and in particular speed zones. The new law comes into force on 20 August 2008.

(more information)