To mark Fatality Free Friday, government officials and law enforcement are calling for safer driving and a reduction in fatal crashes throughout the Hunter and NSW.
160 people have died in road accidents this year in NSW, overtaking last years death toll by nine. 76 drivers, 25 motorcyclists and 29 passengers are among this total, with a higher swing towards male fatalities.
Assistant Commissioner of the NSW Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Michael Corboy says the statistics for young people are particularly sobering.
"Sadly, road trauma is the number one killer of Australian children aged 14 and under, and the second highest killer of young people under 24.
"Many family and friends... have had to suffer the tragedy of losing a loved one on our roads."
Drivers are being encouraged to sign the Road Safety Pledge, promising to practice good driving techniques such as wearing a seatbelt, looking out for other drivers and obeying road rules.
Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison says that safe driving is something everyone should think about.
"It is so important that, every time we get behind the wheel, we think hard about the potential consequences of our actions.
"We must all take responsibility."
People wanting to sign the Fatality Free Friday pledge can visit https://arsf.com.au/fatality-free-friday-2/
