Australia records worst road toll in more than half a decade

Road fatalities have seen an increase this year and the government is yet to release data as to why. This year has seen the New South Wales road toll climb to 351 – a 26 per cent increase from last year. Victoria has reported a 24 per cent increase, leading to a national increase of 6.3 per cent. Over 1,250 people have been killed in crashes nationally — the highest number since 2016. Transport Accident Commission acting CEO Samantha Cockfield has said intoxication, fatigue and seatbelts are the main cause for the tolls. Australian Automobile Association Managing Director Michael Bradley says the main cause or solution to the problem won't be known until the government releases its data on what causes the accidents.