NRMA survey reveals top road safety concerns in NSW

Speeding drivers and inappropriate speed limits (both too high and too low) topped the list of concerns respondents shared in the NRMA’s ‘Reckoning on our Roads’ survey.

More than 1400 members shared their opinions on what needs to improve on NSW roads, with speed-related issues raised 288 times – 100 more than the next problem on the list, potholes (188).

“Speeding is out of control everywhere,” wrote Mark from Callala Beach on the NSW south coast. “[We need] blanket fixed cameras, mobile and point-to-point cameras, and bigger fines.”

“Narrow rural roads with no edges and 100 km/h speed limits are a dangerous mix,” said another respondent. “Lower the limit.”

Not everyone believes speed limits need to be lowered. Andrew from Queanbeyan suggested allowing “10 per cent over speed limit when overtaking to stop frustration and aggro”, while a number of respondents feel there are too many variations in speed limits. “More consistent speed limits so people can watch the road, not their speedo,” suggested Mario from Londonderry.

With rain lashing most of the NSW coast in the early months of 2025, it’s no surprise potholes and poor road conditions were a major cause for concern.

“The potholes must be fixed, not just filled with bitumen and patted down with a shovel,” said a frustrated Ruth from Ulladulla. “The potholes on the Scenic Highway in North Avoca are a hazard and have been ring-marked for many months without fixing,” wrote Keith from the central coast.

School zone safety also came up frequently in the survey, with members suggesting possible improvements including speed humps, flashing lights at all school zones, consistent times and speeds across all states, and novel ways to alert drivers.

“Mark the middle of school zone lanes with ‘S’ for the entire school zones, similar to road markings approaching pedestrian crossings,” recommended Ros from Caringbah.

NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said, “The NRMA is for road safety and hearing from all Australians is vital in directing our efforts to bring about policy change and infrastructure funding at all levels of Government.”

The results from 1432 submissions: