As we enter the Australia Day long weekend during a horrific period on our roads, we urge our Members and the wider community to take responsibility for road safety and the safety of others: Don’t speed. Don’t touch your phone while driving. Don’t drive while tired. Treat all road users with patience and respect.
At the time of writing, 30 people had been tragically killed on our roads in NSW this year. That is seven more than the same time last year and 2017 was a terrible year on our roads – the worst since 2009.
Speed was a factor in 40 per cent of crashes last year, followed by fatigue and drink driving. Two-thirds of crashes occurred on regional roads and most of the victims were not out-of-towners visiting, but locals.
In addition to these traditional risks, Police now also have to contend with the added dangers of drug driving and people driving distracted by smartphones.
Be mindful that the long weekend will increase holiday traffic. Keep up to date with the latest traffic at Live Traffic NSW. Double Demerits are in force from Thursday through until the end of Monday. Please commit to driving safely over the long weekend and always.
