Sunday 15 November is the United Nations World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

“In a year that has seen our Territory road toll at its highest since 2012, I’m asking all drivers to stop and think before they take risks on our roads,” Acting Commander Bob Rennie said. “It’s a sad fact that most serious crashes this year could have been avoided.

“It’s not just the fatalities – people’s lives can be changed forever in a split second due to one bad decision or thoughtless moment. Paralysis, brain injuries and permanent vision impairment are just some of the ‘unseen’ horrors of a serious crash.

“Then there’s the impact on the families and the friends, suddenly burdened with grief or carer’s responsibilities – or the guilt of a driver who was ‘just a little bit over’ who is responsible for killing an innocent person.”

There are steps that everyone can take to reduce the carnage on our roads.

• Don’t drink and drive. Arrange an alternative way home, whether it’s a Sober Bob, a taxi or even a pedicab. Use a lifeline – phone a friend.
• Be a friend. Friends don’t let friends drink and drive.
• Stick to the speed limits. It should be a no brainer. It’s better to arrive five minutes late than not at all.
• Drive to the conditions. If it’s raining, slow down and turn on your headlights. If it’s one of our famous tropical downpours, pulling over can be the best decision. Don’t drive into floodways.
• Check your car. How’s the tread on your tyres? Are your brakes spongy? Are your wipers working properly?
• Wear your seatbelts.

So far in 2015, 42 people have died on Territory roads. The road toll for the same time last year was 36.

In the last 30 years, 1987 had the highest NT road toll at 84. The lowest toll was in 2009, when 31 lives were lost on the roads.

Northern Territory Road Toll, 1981-2015