The falling trend in the road toll from the early nineties to the beginning of this year is now at an end. The figures for the first half of this year are higher than for the same time last year. Any self-congratulation about better and more temperate driving appears to be misplaced. It may be that the falling toll had more to do with lower road usage because of the recession; better medical treatment; tougher police action and better cars and roads than better driving.
There are no easy solutions. The aim of reducing the road toll has to be fought on many fronts. Changing driver behaviour is, of course, the most significant way to prevent road trauma. That can be done through both education and force.
This week the NRMA called for a reduction in the speed limit in residential areas from 60km/h to 50km/h. It said a survey in the ACT and NSW showed that about three-quarters of motorists agreed, provided it did not affect arterial roads in the city. The manager of traffic engineering for the NRMA, Andrew Macky, said. “It reinforces the position the NRMA has long held: that speed limits should be more flexible and set according to local conditions.”
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