UPDATE: Three tragic fatalities have occurred on regional roads this past week, prompting urgent reactions and discussions about road safety in New South Wales. Communities near Mudgee, Forbes, and Portland are grappling with grief as they mourn the loss of lives, drawing attention to a crisis that sees the region’s road fatality rate at nearly three times the average for NSW.
A new report from the NSW Government highlights the alarming statistics, emphasizing the need for immediate action as road safety becomes a pressing issue. Veteran driving instructor Brook Lynch has witnessed the devastation firsthand over his two decades in the field and emphasizes that the solution may lie not in government funding but in a collective shift in driver behavior.
“We all seem to be in a rush,” Lynch stated, stressing the importance of patience behind the wheel. He urged drivers to be mindful, saying, “You’re not going to get around any quicker, and you’re just going to make it more dangerous.”
This week’s fatalities occurred at critical locations: Two Mile Flat near Mudgee, Burcher near Forbes, and Portland, underscoring the dire state of road safety in the area. The Central West and Orana Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) was unveiled for public consultation, revealing startling data that echoes the urgency of the situation.
The SRITP outlines initiatives aimed at improving road safety, including safer speed regulations in towns, upgrades to junctions, and the development of more heavy vehicle rest stops. Lynch believes that enhancing rest stop facilities, not just for heavy vehicles, would significantly benefit all motorists. “NSW lacks reasonable places to stop,” he noted, contrasting the region with northern areas that offer better facilities for travelers.
While some suggest lowering speed limits as a solution, Lynch argues that the core issue is the poor quality of roads. “The road quality is disgusting,” he asserted, highlighting a critical factor in the region’s high fatality rate, which is almost double that of regional NSW.
In October, Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland described the emotional toll of responding to road fatalities, stating, “When there’s a fatality, it’s not a pretty sight.” The police face the grim reality of these incidents, which have a lasting impact on both the victims’ families and the officers involved.
As communities continue to mourn, the focus now shifts to how local authorities and residents can work together to enhance road safety and prevent further tragedies. The upcoming public consultation on the SRITP will be crucial for determining the future of road safety initiatives in the region.
What’s Next: Residents are urged to participate in the consultation process to voice their concerns and suggestions. The conversation around road safety is more critical than ever, as the region looks for solutions to reduce its alarming road toll.
The urgency for change is palpable, with every driver being called upon to reflect on their behavior behind the wheel. With lives at stake, the time to act is now.
