Out of the 50 people that died unnecessarily on our roads last year in 46 crashes 25 of those were drivers, 13 were passengers, five were motorcyclists and seven were pedestrians.

From the 46 crashes, 12 were speed related, 26 were alcohol related, 16 were not wearing seatbelts and four out of the five motorcyclists killed were not wearing helmets.

Of those killed, 24 were indigenous Territorians, 38 were male and 43 were NT Residents aged between four and 70 years of age.

Commander Kate Vanderlaan of the Traffic and Specialist Services Command said that this is appalling.

"We are continually reminding people to drive with caution, to slow down, to not drink and drive, but these statistics are showing that people are clearly not heeding our warnings.

"Not only is drink driving and speeding a problem, but I am also concerned that people continue to fail to wear seatbelts. It's such a simple act and it saves countless lives.

"I would also like to stress driver awareness and the need to pay attention at all times, whether driving on rural roads, on highways or in built up areas. If you are tired, pull over and take a break and do not under any circumstances allow a mobile phone to distract you. A text message could end up costing a life!

"As head of the Traffic Section, I have members out continually conducting random breath tests and traffic apprehensions throughout the Northern Region in an attempt to reduce the amount of road trauma across the Territory caused by the abovementioned factors. We are well ahead in commitment to Random Breath Testing targets and this commitment will be ongoing.

"Please take all of this as a warning, as I do not wish to see any of you in the care of my members or worse, dead" she said.

Amy Sloan
8922 3531
0417 770 686