Road Safety Strategic Planning

Globally

Road traffic crashes are a major global public health issue. Each year, approximately 1.35 million people are killed on roads worldwide, and a further 20–50 million people sustain non-fatal injuries. More than half of these deaths and injuries involve vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and passengers.

Young people are particularly at risk. Road traffic injury is the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29 years globally World Health Organisation (WHO)

In response to this ongoing challenge, the World Health Organization and the United Nations proclaimed the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 setting an ambitious global target to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by at least 50% by 2030.

Global youth leadership also plays an important role. Organisations such as YOURS – Youth for Road Safety mobilise young people worldwide to advocate for safer roads, build capacity, and support initiatives aimed at reducing road trauma among young people.

Nationally

At the national level, the Australian Government established the Office of Road Safety to provide leadership and coordination of road safety policy and initiatives. The Office oversees implementation of the National Road Safety Strategy for the decade 2021-2030 which aligns with global targets and focuses on reducing fatalities and serious injuries through a coordinated, evidence-based approach.

NSW Government

In New South Wales, the Road Safety Plan 2026 outlines priority actions to support the target of halving road deaths and reducing serious injuries by 30% by 2030.

This plan contributes to the broader vision within Transport for NSW’s Future Transport Strategy., which aims to achieve zero fatalities and serious injuries on NSW roads by 2056.

The Safe System approach

Global, national and state road safety strategies are underpinned by the Safe System approach, which recognises that road safety is a shared responsibility across the entire transport system.

The Safe System focuses on:

• Safer roads and roadsides

• Safer vehicles

• Safer road users

• Safer speeds

This holistic approach acknowledges that while human error is inevitable, the road system should be designed to minimise the likelihood of crashes and reduce the severity of injuries when they occur.Road Safety Strategic planning.