The number of people dying while either not wearing a seat belt or speeding has doubled compared to the same time last year in New South Wales (NSW).
Now drivers are being urged to buckle up and slow down.
Between March and July this year, 65 people died in speed-related crashes on NSW roads, up from 27 percent of all fatalities during the same period last year to 54 percent. Seventeen people died while not wearing an available seat belt, up from nine percent of vehicle occupant fatalities to 22 percent.
“It’s a privilege and not a right to drive,” said Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance. “So when you get behind the wheel, make the right choice – slow down and buckle up – it could save your life or someone else’s.”
While speeding and seat belt-related deaths are up, fatigue-related fatalities are down from 15 percent to eight percent, and alcohol-related crash deaths remain at 13 percent.
