Too many lives lost on our roads in 2025

Published date: 05 Jan 2026

The Victorian Government is focused on reducing road trauma now and in the new year, following too many lives lost on Victoria’s roads in 2025.

As the year ended, tragically 288 people lost their lives on Victorian roads compared with 284 in 2024.

That’s 288 pedestrians, motorcyclists, drivers, passengers, e-scooter riders or cyclists who never made it home to their loved ones.

The number of lives lost has been lower in the two years since the 295 lives lost in 2023 but it’s still far too many.

Last year, we announced our Road Safety Action Plan 2 that will deliver life-saving road safety infrastructure and strengthen enforcement over the next four years to reduce road trauma across Victoria.

An investment of more than $1.1 billion is supporting our ambitious goal of halving road deaths and significantly reducing road trauma by 2030, including $350 million for new initiatives and critical safety infrastructure such as barriers on high-risk curves and along rural and urban roads.

To make it easier for Councils to select the most appropriate speed limits on local roads, the Department of Transport and Planning has updated the Speed Zoning Policy to include more choices, including 30km/h and 70km/h options.

We are continuing to improve safety through targeted infrastructure programs, including the $23 million Safe Pedestrian Program and the $210 million Safe Local Roads and Streets Program.

Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy 2021–2030 builds on these efforts, bringing together policy, education, technology, infrastructure and vehicle safety to drive lasting change.

While we continue to deliver life-saving programs and investments, road safety is a shared responsibility.

We urge all Victorians to do their part – wear a seatbelt or helmet, never use a mobile phone while driving, avoid driving or riding while fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and always obey speed limits.

Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Roads and Road Safety Harriet Shing
“The impact of road trauma is devastating and I extend my deepest condolences to every person impacted by it - not only in 2025, but every year.”
“Every life lost on our roads is one too many, which is why more than $1.1 billion has been allocated to making Victorian roads safer.”
“I urge every Victorian to do their part to make sure everyone using our roads makes it to their destination safely.”

Quote attributable to Acting Head of Road Safety Victoria Fiona Green
“We know speeding, fatigue, distraction, drink and drug driving are the key factors involved in our road trauma, so while we continue to work hard across infrastructure, technology and education, we urge everyone using our roads to follow the rules to keep each other safe.”

Quote attributable to TAC acting CEO Samantha Cockfield
“Every life lost is one too many. We’re focused on education and awareness to help Victorians make safer choices on the road. Simple actions like slowing down, avoiding distractions and never driving under the influence can save lives. Together, we can make sure everyone gets home safely.”