The Snowy Mountains is among other regions in New South Wales (NSW) during 2024 that found itself grappling with road fatalities, prompting heightened efforts by both the government and police to address the worrying trend. Amid increased public awareness campaigns and police operations, National Road Safety Week 2025, held from May 11 to 18, urges drivers to “Take the pledge” towards safer driving habits.
PHOTO: Monaro Police District were set up at the Riverside Plaza Queanbeyan today CREDIT: Monaro Police District
Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, expressed serious concerns over the Snowy Mountains Highway, which recorded four fatalities in 2024, tying for third among the state’s most dangerous regional roads according to a recent article by drive.
“I’m very concerned that the road toll overall in NSW has increased significantly over the past few years,” Mr Whan stated. He emphasised that while road conditions contribute, driver behaviour remains a critical factor.
PHOTO: Member for Monaro, Steve Whan
“Drivers need to recognise that even though modern cars are safer than ever, they are not invulnerable cocoons,” he warned, highlighting risky behaviours such as speeding and tailgating in adverse conditions.
To address these issues, the NSW Government has allocated $36 million for ongoing safety upgrades on the Snowy Mountains Highway, including safety barriers and rumble strips, with completion expected by mid-2026. Mr Whan reiterated the importance of adherence to speed limits and adjusting driving to match conditions. “Driving is likely the most dangerous thing you’ll do all day, so you should be driving for the safety of others, not just yourself,” he advised.
In tandem with government initiatives, NSW Police have intensified efforts to curb road trauma through Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers). The operation focused on detecting drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs and concluded with concerning results.
Between May 8 and 10, police conducted over 109,796 breath tests, detecting 132 drink driving offences. Additionally, 6,841 drug tests revealed 461 positive results, underscoring the challenge of impairment on the roads.
Assistant Commissioner David Driver, Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, remarked on the urgency of these initiatives: “We have seen 19 more people lose their lives on our roads this year compared to 2024,” Driver stated. “That is unacceptable and that is 131 lives too many.”
Despite some compliance with road rules observed during Operation RAID, the persistence of offences such as speeding, mobile phone use, and neglect of seatbelt laws remains a concern. “Whilst we saw the majority of motorists comply with the law during the operation, it was disappointing to see some drivers completely disregard the road rules,” Driver noted.
As National Road Safety Week continues, the message is clear: proactive measures by both authorities and motorists are crucial in reversing the current trend. The ongoing pledge campaign highlights commitments such as not driving under the influence and removing distractions, with 77,519 pledges already made.
In a statement provided to Snowy Mountains News following operation RAID, Assistant Commissioner David Driver said, “Regional roads present additional hazards due to the higher posted speed limits and the associated consequences when vehicles travelling at speed impact with trees, animals and other vehicles.”
“Driver behaviour is a choice, and every driver must take responsibility for their actions and the safety of their passengers and every other road user. We also want to appeal to any passenger who notices a driver engaging in bad driving behaviour to call them out on it. It’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure we have safe roads.”
Locally the NSW SES Cooma-Monaro Unit is holding a stall on Sunday May 18 as part of National Road Safety Week. A NSW Cooma-Monaro SES spokesperson said, “We will be at the Cooma Rotary Markets for a rescue demonstration, weather permitting. Come and have a chat, check out the jaws of life in action, what goes in to becoming a rescue operator and why we want you to drive so others survive.”
PHOTO: Come down and make the pledge with the Cooma-Monaro SES Unit at the Rotary Markets this Sunday May 18 CREDIT: NSW SES Cooma-Monaro Unit
“Pledge to wear your seatbelt, stay under the speed limit, avoid distractions and not to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”
As part of National Road Safety Week 2025, Friday May 16, is Walk Safely to School Day, where if possible parents are encouraged to walk their children all the way to school.
The collective effort serves as a reminder of the impact individual choices have on the broader goal of road safety. “I pledge to drive as if my loved ones are on the road ahead,” encapsulates the essence of the initiative, appealing to the shared responsibility of all road users.