The summer period is one of the busiest and deadliest on our nations’ roads. As holiday travel begins, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons’ (RACS) Trauma Committee reminds us that the best gift you can give your loved ones is to arrive safely.
So far in 2025, 1214 lives have been lost on Australian roads and 266 in Aotearoa New Zealand, an increase from the same period last year. These numbers are more than statistics: each one represents a tragic loss of life and immense grief to families and communities.
Beyond the death toll, road accident survivors can face a long journey and sometimes never recover. Chair of the RACS Trauma Committee Dr Matthew Hope says the impacts of a crash can be extensive and long-lasting, from difficult rehabilitation to life-changing disabilities.
“For every death on the road there are 40 hospital admissions due to road trauma, representing more than 48,000 trauma patients admitted by medical teams each year,” Dr Hope says.
“Surgeons see firsthand the devastating consequences of road crashes and we urge everyone to make safety a priority over the holiday period and beyond.”
If you are travelling this summer, please:
- Don’t drive tired or impaired – ride share or swap drivers if needed.
- 2. Slow down – obey speed limits and adjust to weather conditions.
- 3. Put the phone away and keep your eyes on the road – distraction kills.
We wish you a safe and happy holiday season.