Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services have released some statistics on road accidents on the Stuart, Barkly, Victoria and Arnhem Highways from before and since the introduction of the speed limit.
The 130 kilometre per hour speed limit on previously open speed highways was introduced on 01 January 2007. While it was met with and remains subject to apparent debate, there is no argument from the Tri-service.
Grahame Kelly, Assistant Commissioner for Operations said while everyone is entitled to voice their opinion on the matter, speed limits reduce road accidents and the seriousness of them.
"It's common sense. If people are driving slower, not only are they less likely to have an accident, but if they do, the impact is likely to be less severe.
"There is no point looking at road toll statistics generally without actually breaking this down to the main highways actually affected by the introduction of the speed limits.
"The statistics from these sections of Territory roads clearly show a significant reduction in all accidents, whether fatal, serious or no injuries as anyone could predict and logically expect.
"Further, while other factors may be contributors to a crash such as fatigue, alcohol or not wearing seatbelts, speed still influences the seriousness of the crash.
"Our figures show, in the two years following the introduction of 130km/hr speed limits, there was 25% less fatal accidents, 42% less 'hospitalised' accidents, 77% less 'minor injury' accidents and 38% less 'no injury' accidents.
"Overall, there has been an average of 40% less accidents on those affected stretches of highway since the speed limit was introduced." Assistant Commissioner Kelly said.
Speed is one of a number of factors contributing to motor vehicle accidents therefore means to reduce speed related crashes is one tool in the toolbox.
Many agencies are working together to address road safety issues.
Ongoing traffic enforcement, speed limits, demerit points, new anti-hooning legislation, ignition locks, education campaigns including the new TIO Party Safe initiative, are all tools necessary to complement one another in a comprehensive, multi faced approach to road safety.
Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services are the first responders at often horrific crash scenes and welcome any new initiatives to reduce trauma on our roads.
Media Contact:
Katie Fowden
8901 0281
