Road Trauma Support Group NSW

We at RTSG NSW are urging the NSW Government to fulfil its promise to appoint an Independent Victims Commissioner. The road toll in NSW climbed to 351 in 2023—a 25% increase from the previous year. Our research with Fiftyfive5, part of Accenture Song highlights the severe mental health impacts on the 1.8 million adults who know someone killed on the roads, particularly when illegal driving is involved. Families like Roxanne Arnold’s are left to navigate their grief alone, without the promised support. It’s time for the NSW Government to deliver on its commitments and provide the necessary resources to those left in the wake of these preventable tragedies. Chris Minns Jo Haylen Hon. Jenny Aitchison MP #RoadSafety #VictimSupport #RoadTrauma #RTSG #MentalHealthAwareness #TowardsZero #IndependentVictimsCommissioner #CharterofVictimsRightsAct

In the wake of road trauma, the term 'accident' can feel like a dismissal of the preventable and often criminal nature of what truly happened. Last year alone, 351 lives were lost on NSW roads, a stark increase that highlights an urgent need for change. Every road death affects countless others, leaving deep impacts on families and communities. Let's call it what it is—a crash, not an accident—and advocate for responsible reporting and safer roads. See the full Road Crash Reporting Guidelines here: https://lnkd.in/ggp-vq42 Chris Minns Jo Haylen Hon. Jenny Aitchison MP #RoadCrashReportingGuidelines #RCRG #RoadTraumaSupport #RTSG #RoadSafety #TowardsZero

It's time to end the language of denial. It's a crash, not an accident. The language we use to describe road incidents can deeply impact the victims' families and shape public perception. Referring to them as 'accidents' suggests inevitability and absolves responsibility, which is not only inaccurate but also hurtful to those who have suffered due to others' reckless decisions. Our new research reveals stark realities: In 2023, 351 lives were lost on NSW roads, marking a significant increase from the previous year. An astounding 1.8 million adults in NSW know someone who was killed on the roads, with 280,657 knowing someone whose death was directly due to unlawful actions. Every road death shakes the community, leaving a ripple effect of grief and loss. The Road Trauma Support Group NSW advocates for responsible reporting and communication through our Road Crash Reporting Guidelines. These guidelines stress the importance of using the term 'crash' over 'accident' to convey the preventability and often criminal nature of these events. Join us in transforming how we talk about road incidents. Let’s foster a culture of responsibility that can lead to safer roads for everyone. Because when we change our words, we can change our world. Learn more and access our full guidelines: https://lnkd.in/ggp-vq42 Chris Minns Jo Haylen Hon. Jenny Aitchison MP #RoadSafety #ItsACrashNotAnAccident #ResponsibleReporting #NSWRoads #EndTheLanguageOfDenial #RCRG #RoadCrashReportingGuidelines #RoadTraumaSupport #RTSG #TowardsZero

August is Road Victim Month, and at Road Trauma Support Group NSW, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting families devastated by road tragedies. Statistics highlight the urgency of the work we do: In 2023, NSW saw a distressing increase in road fatalities, with 351 lives lost. 280,657 adults in NSW know someone killed due to another's criminal actions on the road. These aren’t just numbers; they represent a community deeply affected by loss. Let’s honour their memories by advocating for safer roads and supporting those left behind. Helpline: 1800 808 384 Email: [email protected] #RoadVictimMonth #RoadSafety #RTSGNSW #RoadTraumaSupport #TowardsZero

This August, as we observe Road Victim Month, we stand in solidarity with all who have suffered the devastating impacts of road crashes. RTSG member Michael Duke's, life changed forever when he lost his wife Jo due to the reckless actions of another driver. Michael's story is a painful reminder of the catastrophic effects of road crimes, not just on victims, but on their families and communities. At Road Trauma Support Group NSW, we are committed to providing ongoing support and advocacy for families like Michael's, who are forced to navigate the aftermath of such tragedies. As we remember Jo and so many others lost to road incidents, we urge everyone to reflect on the responsibility we all share on the roads. Let's pledge to drive safely, respect life, and prevent future losses. Please reach out to us if you need support or wish to join our cause. Together, we can strive towards a future with zero road deaths and honour those we've lost by preventing further tragedies. 📞 Road Trauma Helpline: 1800 808 384 📧 Email: [email protected] #RoadVictimMonth #RoadSafety #RoadTraumaSUpport #RTSGNSW #TowardsZero

Road Trauma Support Group member Tracy Blake’s story is a poignant reminder of the devastating human cost behind NSW’s rising road toll. Her daughter Mackenzie’s tragic death due to a drugged driver underscores the urgency for road safety reforms. With 212 road deaths this year alone and a significant increase in people personally affected, it’s crucial to address the preventable nature of these tragedies. Let’s work together to prevent further loss and support affected families. Read the full article in the Daily Telegraph: https://shorturl.at/aQR24 Chris Minns Jo Haylen Hon. Jenny Aitchison MP #RoadTraumaSupport #RTSG #RoadSafety #TowardsZero

As we look forward to Rural Road Safety Month this September, Road Trauma Support Group NSW member Tania Brown shares her poignant story to raise awareness and foster safer driving practices in our rural communities. Tania's story is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of road trauma and the urgent need for collective action. Join us in supporting the "Hats Off to Road Safety" campaign, organised by Transport for NSW and Clarence Valley Council. This innovative initiative aims to collect hats representing the 346 lives lost on NSW roads in 2023, symbolising the personal loss behind each statistic and urging everyone to prioritise safety. Learn more about the campaign here: https://shorturl.at/M3C38 Together, let's drive change and strive towards reducing fatalities on our roads. Your involvement can make a significant difference. #RuralRoadSafety #RoadTraumaSupport #CommunityEngagement #TransportForNSW #RoadSafety #TowardsZero #RTSG

This August, as we observe Road Victim Month, we remember each life tragically lost on our roads, like that of Roxanne Arnold's husband Steve, who was taken by the actions of a drunk driver. Roxanne's courage to share her story and advocate for systemic change underpins the spirit of Road Victim Month. It's a time to reflect, remember, and recommit ourselves to the pursuit of safety and justice for all road crash victims and their families. The Road Trauma Support Group NSW stands in solidarity with every family affected by road trauma. Founded by families who have experienced similar losses, we are driven by a mission to ensure no one faces this journey alone. We provide professional counselling, emotional support, and continuous care to help survivors navigate their darkest times. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out: Road Trauma Helpline: 1800 808 384 Email: [email protected] Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can heal and prevent further loss. #RoadVictimMonth #RoadSafety #RoadTraumaSupport #RTSG #TowardsZero

Duncan Wakes-Miller, a founding member of the Road Trauma Support Group NSW, speaks out in a Daily Telegraph article about the critical need for a shift in driving behaviours. As 351 lives were lost on NSW roads in 2023—a staggering increase of 70 from the previous year—it's clear that action is required now more than ever. Every road death has a profound ripple effect, impacting families and the community deeply. It's time for each of us to speak up against reckless driving to make our roads safer. Sign the Petition to Reduce Fatalities and Serious Injuries on NSW Roads Now! https://shorturl.at/tXNdx Chris Minns John Graham Jo Haylen Hon. Jenny Aitchison MP #RoadSafety #TowardsZero #RoadTraumaSupport #RTSG

Duncan Wakes-Miller, a founding member of our support group, recently spoke with Luke Grant on 2GB about the urgent need to transform societal attitudes towards reckless driving. The goal is clear: to make dangerous driving as socially unacceptable as domestic violence. Speak Up, Step In If you witness unsafe driving, remember your voice can have a significant impact. In 2023, NSW recorded 351 road deaths, marking an increase of 70 from the previous year. This highlights the tragic consequences of reckless driving. Statistics only scratch the surface. In NSW, more than 1.8 million adults know someone who was killed on the roads, a rise of 10.8% from 2022. Additionally, 280,657 adults know someone whose death was a direct result of unlawful road behaviour, up by 11.8%. Let’s challenge the status quo and push for meaningful changes that make our roads safer. Every action, every voice matters in this collective effort. Please sign the Petition to Reduce Fatalities and Serious Injuries on NSW Roads Now! https://shorturl.at/tXNdx Chris Minns Jo Haylen Hon. Jenny Aitchison MP Michael Regan MP #RoadSafety #RoadTraumaSupport #RTSG