Road Safety Week is back from 11th to 18th May 2025 and it’s a chance for all of us drivers, riders, cyclists, and pedestrians to stop and think about how we can make our roads safer.

Every year, National Road Safety week puts the spotlight on the lives lost and the people forever changed by crashes on our roads. But more than that, it’s about the small choices we make every day that can help prevent these tragedies.

Road safety is a serious issue in the Northern Territory, with 60 lives lost on our roads in 2024 the highest number in over a decade. 

Superintendent of Territory Road Policing Rick Magree echoes this concern, saying "You are four times more likely to die on Territory roads than other states in Australia. This is the sad truth.”

Behind the numbers are real people.  Family, friends, neighbours, and workmates. With each loss having a ripple effect, touching whole communities.

 So, what’s causing these crashes? More often than not, it comes down to a few common behaviours known as the Fatal 5. These are the things seen again and again in serious crashes, and the good news is: they’re things we can all do something about.

1. Speeding

Driving too fast not only reduces your reaction time but also increases the severity of a crash. By simply slowing down, drivers can significantly reduce their risk and the risk to others.

2. Drink and Drug Driving

Alcohol and drug impairment is a major problem in the NT. Even low levels of alcohol or drugs can impair your ability to drive safely.

3. Failure to Wear a Seatbelt

Seatbelts save lives. Yet not everyone uses them. It’s a small action with a huge impact, reducing the risk of death or serious injury by up to 50%. Whether you’re driving to your local markets or hours down the Stuart Highway, always buckle up.

4. Fatigue

Long drives and remote roads make fatigue a particularly deadly risk in the Territory. Tired drivers are less alert and slower to react, with effects similar to alcohol. Resting before a long trip, sharing the drive, and taking breaks can help keep you and others safe.

5. Distraction

Mobile phones and other distractions divert your attention at exactly the wrong moment. Looking away from the road — even for a second — can lead to devastating consequences. Staying focused means staying alive.

Superintendent Rick Magree says the message is clear “Small decisions can have the greatest impact, especially when driving. The decision to check your phone while driving, or drive home after a few drinks can be devastating. However, if you make the choice to leave checking your phone until you arrive at your destination, or arrange alternative transportation home after drinking, it can be lifesaving.”

“Don’t let being in a rush change the outcome of your life. Slow down, wear a seat belt and drive like your life is worth living.”

As part of Road Safety Week 2025, make your way to the Darwin Waterfront, Peninsula Lawn on Saturday, 17th May, from 9am to 1pm to experience a powerful and creative road safety display — the Fatal 5 elephants.

These five giant, 5-metre-tall inflatable elephants will be situated across the Peninsula Lawn at the Darwin Waterfront, each elephant representing one of the most common and dangerous driving behaviours: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, dangerous road users, and distracted driving.

Why elephants? Because these risky habits are the "elephant in the room" the driving behaviours we all know happen and are dangerous but often we avoid talking about. 

Bring the family, have a chat, and take a moment to reflect on how small changes in behaviour can make a big difference on our roads.