Personal safety often gets more attention than road safety. Both are important, but I would guess people misunderestimate their relative magnitude. I looked at some data from New South Wales, which to be clear is significantly safer on both dimensions than the US.
In recent years, New South Wales has recorded the following statistics:
Homicides:
There were 85 murders in 2024, the highest annual count since 2014. In the 12 months leading up to March 2026, there were 87 recorded murder victims. (See: On Bondi Beach)
Road Deaths:
Road Fatalities: In 2025,
355people died on NSW roads, vs 327 in 2024. Speeding was associated with 134 deaths in 2025.
Pedestrians: 54
deaths, representing a 25.6% increase from the previous year. The majority of the 54 pedestrian deaths occurred on everyday suburban streets. Older road users (aged 70+) were particularly affected, accounting for 18 of these pedestrian fatalities.
Cyclists: 15
deaths(including three e-bike riders), which was a 200% increase over the 5 fatalities recorded in 2024. Cycling has notably increased with the advent of e-bikes in recent years.
These increases occurred despite (because of?) broader national efforts to improve safety for vulnerable road users.
The state government simultaneously blames drivers for driving too fast while opposing safe speed policies, and opposing the use of regulatory devices like unmarked speed cameras.
FIN