The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is the only state or territory set to meet its agreed 2020 road death reduction target, according to the AAA’s quarterly Benchmarking of the National Road Safety Strategy.

There were 1,222 deaths on Australian roads in 2017-18 (only one fewer than 2016-17). Two years away from the strategy’s 2020 target date fatalities remain far higher than the rate needed to meet the agreed goal.

AAA CEO Michael Bradley said this was the worst result so far recorded by the AAA’s benchmarking process.

“Our current approach to road safety is disorganised; it lacks transparency, consistency and accountability,” he said. “Data collection and research aren’t being coordinated or harmonised, and there are no consequences for failing to deliver agreed outcomes.

“Road deaths and injuries cost the national economy more than $29 billion a year, and the social and human costs are immeasurable. The Federal Government must reinstate federal oversight of road safety data collection and the Strategy’s implementation.”

The AAA’s benchmarking report tracks progress against the agreed target of reducing road deaths by at least 30 percent between 2011 and 2020.

View the report: Benchmarking of the National Road Safety Strategy