With 6.4 million drivers and riders in NSW, the state Government calls for safer choices to be made on the road in 2026, and to reduce the annual road toll.
In 2025, NSW recorded a total of 355 people dying on the roads, which is 28 more deaths than 2024.
While the NSW Government is investing heavily in major road safety reforms, as well as repairing and maintaining road infrastructure, the number of deaths remains unacceptably high.
“This is not the way any of us want to begin a new year, but ignoring the reality would be worse. Every one of these deaths was in some way preventable,” Transport for NSW secretary Josh Murray says.
“Today’s numbers are parents, children, friends, neighbours and colleagues whose lives ended on streets we all use. Roads we drive to work on, where children walk to school, families ride bikes and older people simply try to cross safely.
“For those left behind, the loss is permanent, not marked in an annual tally.”
The message to road users is simple: slow down, stay alert, and never drive impaired or fatigued.
Speed remains the biggest killer on NSW roads. In 2025, 134 people died in crashes where speeding was a contributing factor, representing almost four in every ten deaths.
Evidence continues to show many fatal speed crashes occur at relatively low levels of excess speed, including at going less than 10km/h over the speed limit.
An important reminder that the speed limit is the limit. Far too many lives are being lost on regional roads.
In 2025, 241 people died on roads in rural and regional areas – the highest since 2017 and equal to 2023 – reinforcing the NSW Government’s commitment to invest $1.25 billion in regional road maintenance and critical safety upgrades.
The 2025 figures also show increased trauma among vulnerable road users and older people, including:
- 54 pedestrian deaths, with most occurring on everyday suburban streets
- Cyclist deaths increasing from 5 to 15, including three e-bike riders
- 75 motorcyclist deaths, up 7 compared to 2024
- Older road user fatalities (70+) increasing 38 per cent to 72 deaths (including 18 pedestrians)
Fatigue, alcohol and drug use remain preventable factors in too many deaths.
In the first seven months of 2025, preliminary information shows drug-related deaths increased slightly and alcohol related deaths fell marginally.
Murray says TfNSW has continued to act throughout 2025 with new and safer roads, enhanced technology, strengthened enforcement, education and working closely with Police and health authorities, victims and the broader community.
“But infrastructure, enforcement and policy alone will not stop people dying,” he says.
“As we develop the next Road Safety Action Plan, we will ask the community, stakeholders and experts to help shape it. As the Minister has committed, nothing is off the table when it comes to reducing deaths and serious injuries.
“But if 2026 is going to be any different, then this will also require personal responsibility. Slow down. Put the phone away. Never drive under the influence. Stay alert. Look out for others. Road safety must be a commitment we all make. Every trip, every day.”