Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole launched the week, with an event at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney on Sunday.

Mr Constance said although the road toll is lower this year, there has been a worrying increase in speeding-related crashes which accounted for half of the fatalities between March and October.

“The road toll stands at 269 which is 39 fewer deaths than at the same time last year. While we are doing all we can to prevent crashes on NSW roads, we really need all drivers to take responsibility and drive so others survive,” Mr Constance said.

Mr Toole said with more than 269 people having died on NSW roads so far this year -167 of those on country roads – it was a timely reminder that road safety is everyone’s responsibility.

“After a tough year, and with summer holidays nearly upon us, I know everyone will be keen to hit the road and head to the bush or coast, but, with busier roads, we need to remember every time we get behind the wheel, the choices we make can have fatal consequences,” Mr Toole said.

National Road Safety Week is coordinated by Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH), an organisation launched by Peter Frazer following the tragic loss of his daughter Sarah in a crash in February 2012.

This year the launch of National Road Safety Week on Sunday 15 November coincides with the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge will be lit up yellow at night until Sunday 22 November, with ‘Towards Zero’ and yellow ribbon graphics projected onto the pylons.