More than a statistic. Read their stories.
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Read their stories.
We remember the 1314 lives lost in 2025 and all of those impacted by road trauma by sharing their stories.
These Road Trauma stories are real stories and contain some descriptions and events that may trigger emotions and road trauma related emotional reactions. If you need support we have listed a network of CARE providers below the stories for your reference.
Holly's story
After being involved in a car crash in 2017, Holly is dedicated to reducing the impacts of road trauma. She urges road users to consider every decision made on and around the road.
Dr Dinesh Palipana's story
Dr Dinesh Palipana suffered a severe spinal cord injury after a car crash in 2010. He shares his experience with road trauma as a survivor and emergency doctor.
Raina's story
Raina bravely shares her experience with road trauma after the loss of both her father and best friend in separate road crashes.
Jack's story
Jack Annear, the sole survivor of a crash that killed three of his friends, shares his story and his work with the P.A.R.T.Y. Program in SA to promote safer road use.
Chelsea's story
Chelsea shares the story of her brother, Koby and the impact road trauma had on her family and community. Her message is simple – focus on the road and get home to your loved ones safely.
Kent Payne's story
Chelsea shares the story of her brother, Koby and the impact road trauma had on her family and community. Her message is simple – focus on the road and get home to your loved ones safely.
Valerie's story
Valerie shares the story of losing her niece, Katrina, in a road crash in 2022 and the lasting impact it has on her family.
Jarwin's story
Jarwin’s life changed when he survived a devastating crash that took the life of his mother, Jessica. He asks all road users to think twice before endangering the lives of others and your own.
Katie's story
Nicholas lost his life in a car crash on Christmas Eve in 2020 at just 18 years old. His mother, Katie, shares her family’s story and how she is working to ensure that no family has to endure the pain they have experienced.
Patty's story
Patty’s son, Jayden, would never have thought the choice to get into a car with a drunk driver would be his last. Left to pick up the pieces, his family hopes that sharing his story drives change behind the wheel.
Michael's story
Michael Stewart, a police officer of 24 years, had picked up the pieces for countless fatal crashes. But to be on the receiving end of news that his 18 year old son, Jaylan, was killed at high speed, changed his life forever.
Nigel & Jody's story
Nigel & Jody Smith share the story of their son, Lachlan. He was a passenger in a car when he was killed at high speed. A promising young life was tragically taken too soon, and a community of loving family and friends left behind to deal with the unthinkable heartache.
Jessica's story
Jessica Hargraves bravely shares the tragic story of losing her husband, James in a car accident in the hopes that all road users will understand – these are not just road trauma numbers, these are lives.
Elise's story
Elise Kennedy was just 20 years old when her life was altered forever. Confined to a wheelchair because of one person’s individual decision, Elise now advocates to prevent further stories like hers as an ambassador for P.A.R.T.Y (Preventing Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth).
Tim & Tegan's story
Tim & Tegan share the agony of watching helplessly in the rear-view mirror as their eight-year-old daughter was killed in a car that flipped and rolled behind them. They share their story in the hope of saving other families from the devastating effects of road trauma.
Adrian's story
On May 29 2020, Adrian Barnett lost his 21-year-old daughter, Emily, in a tragic car crash on a rural road outside of Rockhampton. The Barnett family is passionate about sharing Emily’s story to raise awareness of the devastating impacts that road trauma has on families, friends and communities. This is their story.
Michelle's story
Michelle Underhill’s life changed forever after tragically losing her four-year-old daughter, Elle, to road trauma in 2015. Please, take the #ChooseRoadSafety pledge and live the pledge each time you get behind the wheel, so we can prevent devastating circumstances like this happening again.
Nick Bell's story
Nick Bell is a first responder with more than 30 years experience in the Fire & Rescue Service and has been heavily involved in critical incident response throughout his career. Nick shares his personal story and the realities of road trauma with us this Rural Road Safety Month.
Roxanne's story
Road trauma does not discriminate. Less than six months ago, Roxanne Arnold’s 41-year-old husband, Steve, was tragically killed in a road accident outside Sydney.
Melissa & Peter's story
In 2012, Melissa and Peter McGuinness’s 18-year-old son, Jordan, was speeding and under the influence of alcohol and drugs when he drove his car into a stationary vehicle. His choices killed four young victims in the other car and also himself. For further information behind this story, please visit You Choose Youth Road Safety
If this or any other ARSF road trauma images, events or stories have caused distress or triggered events, please seek help from the following is a list of suggested organisations that provide counselling, support groups or referral services:
Lifeline provides access to crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Call 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue offers support services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They provide online tools and information to help in managing stressful situations and mental health.
Call 1300 224 636
For immediate mental health support or to find local treatment, call the Mental Health Line at 1800 011 511 anytime.