Dear Editor,

 

September has been Rural Road Safety Month.

 

There is no denying that 2022 has been a horrific year on Australian roads. In fact, the national road toll had exceeded last years total by July of this year.

 

Each year, rural and regional road deaths account for almost two-third of the road toll.

 

In South Australia, rural roads have accounted for 31 of the 54 fatalities on State roads so far this year. Unfortunately, this includes some of our own here in Barker, taken far too soon. My sincerest condolences are with the family and friends of those lost.

 

It is a sobering reminder to us all to take road safety seriously.

 

This includes those who sit in Parliament and our Government Departments who make decisions around improving the condition of our rural and regional roads.

 

One death on our roads is one too many. There can be no price put on ensuring our rural and regional roads are kept to a safe standard.

 

As Rural Road Safety Month draws to a close, I pledge not only to be a safe driver on our roads but also to keep fighting for investment in our rural and regional road network to ensure it remains safe for all road users.

 

Tony Pasin MP

Member for Barker

Shadow Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport