THE Northern Territory has the highest road toll in the nation per capita with almost 50 people killed and more than 500 seriously injured on Territory roads each year.
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As the school holidays kick off, police are reminding drivers to stay safe on our roads.
“At the moment with the dry season, there has been a huge influx of tourists on our roads, especially caravans and there is a lot of congestion on the roads,” Det. Sen. Sgt Mark Malogorski said.
“Caravans are not the fastest vehicles, but people need to be patient with them, especially when they are overtaking.
“Being patient is a massive thing, it is really important.
‘People may get bogged down behind caravans and want to overtake, but be cautious, there are overtaking lanes and they are pretty regular between here and Darwin.”
Det. Malogorski said drivers should expect the CBD to be busier with increased congestion around petrol stations and shopping areas.
“There will be tourists with vans parking where it is not permitted, they need to be mindful where they park and obey signs,” he said.
“There are more people on the roads, so people need to be more vigilant and be aware.
“Observe speed limits, people think there are no cameras on the highways but we have the Northern Traffic Operations Unit who make regular patrols on the Stuart and Victoria Highways.
“Do not use your mobile phone when you are driving, drive with care.”
Since 2006, 30 people have died on Katherine roads and 214 people have been seriously injured.
Our worst year was 2012 with five fatal accidents on our roads.
According to government statistics, there were no deaths on Katherine roads in 2016.
Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics minister Nicole Manison launched the Towards Zero Road Safety discussion paper in May to address the Northern Territory’s alarming and unacceptable road toll.
Initiatives proposed in the discussion paper include double demerit points, clamping of vehicles and changing the driver/rider licensing systems.
Ms Manison said we must do everything we can to save more Territorians on our roads.
“This discussion paper has been developed by the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics in partnership with the Motor Accidents Compensation Commission (MACC) and the NT police,” Ms Manison said.
“It is based on the goal of Towards Zero and the vision that no person is killed or seriously injured on our roads.”
Ms Manison said the discussion paper, along with a series of forums and an online survey, would provide the community with a chance to help form the road safety plan.
“Despite valiant efforts by police, fire and emergency services, road safety officers, health professionals and other members of the community, we are still seeing too much harm on our roads,” she said.
“This is a vital conversation that may save lives and I encourage all Territorians to put forward their ideas about road safety and get involved in the work towards zero.”
Click here to register, complete a short survey and be in the draw to win an iPad or to provide an email submission.
Consultation closes Friday, June 30.
