About the Project
Travel Safe Tradies kicked off in 2024 to help make our roads safer and remind Ute drivers to look out for themselves and others while on the road.
We’re focusing on the everyday Ute drivers – the ones heading to work, moving between job sites, or knocking off and heading home.
Over six weeks, 72 people shared their thoughts with us, from local legends to drivers from out of town, who were either tradies or Ute owners. Here’s what they told us!
We asked & they responded!
- Around 60% of people we spoke to work in a trade or are doing an apprenticeship
- Most were aged 15 to 64, with 25–29 being the biggest age group
- 71% of people said they drive a Ute
- The most popular Ute? Toyota Hilux
- 81% use their Ute for work
- And the most common trade we spoke to was carpentry (9 people)
Why Utes?
Between 2019 and 2023, there were 177 crashes involving light trucks or Utes in Shellharbour. That’s a 6% increase, but 16 fewer crashes than the previous five years. Utes make up 38% of all crashes in the area. Across NSW, almost 30% of workplace deaths come from road crashes, and about one in four deaths on the road involve someone driving for work.
Research from the Monash University Accident Research Centre shows that Utes don’t score as well in safety ratings. Their design means there’s less ‘crumple zone’ in a front-end crash, a higher centre of gravity and more weigh. All of which can make crashes more severe.
Help us make Shellharbour roads safer!
Complete the survey below and you could WIN pizza and a road safety toolbox talk for you and your work mates! Plus, the first 50 entrants will receive a road safety prize pack!
Entries close Friday 21 November 2025 and the winner will be notified by Friday 28 November 2025.
Come chat to us in person and grab a FREE sausage sizzle!
📅 Thursday 23 October 2025
🕖 7am – 9am
📍Shellharbour Bunnings
We’d love to see you there!
