NSW has recorded its worst road toll in three years, with 348 people killed in 2015.
Speed remains the biggest killer, with pedestrian, passenger, motorcycle and P-plater deaths all increasing in the past year, says Roads Minister Duncan Gay.
“It’s incredibly disappointing, especially considering the amount of resources we’ve put into driver education and on ensuring high visibility deterrents are in place,” Mr Gay said on Saturday.
“There are areas where we need to improve because frankly an increase of 41 (deaths) is not the standard we aspire to.”
Mr Gay said the government’s approach to road safety would be reviewed, but stopped short of promising any new laws or specific campaigns.
“We’re not going to make radical changes but we will be making changes in particular areas, to pick up the areas where there was a problem,” he said.
The minister singled out older drivers, younger passengers, motorcyclists and pedestrians as targets for possible reform.
Bernard Carlon from the Centre for Road Safety said 16 children were killed on the state’s roads in the past year, an increase of nine deaths.
“It really heightens the message that drivers need to be responsible for their passengers,” he said.
“We’ve also had an increase in restraints not being used in cars.”
Assistant Police Commissioner John Hartley said officers would maintain a high-visibility presence on the state’s roads for the rest of the holiday period.
“Police are targeting drink and drug-driving, speeding, not wearing seatbelts or helmets and fatigue over this period,” he said.
“The simple message is drive safely, plan your trip, and make sure you arrive safe and well with your family.”
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