The ‘holiday rush’ shouldn’t include rushing on our roads: AMA (NSW)

AMA (NSW) is urging drivers to slow down, be cautious, and travel safely this holiday season, as NSW roads are expected to become busier over the coming weeks.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility,” said AMA (NSW) President, Dr Michael Bonning. “Too many people have lost their lives on the road due to unsafe driving. Let’s make this holiday season different.”

It’s important to remember that travelling during holiday periods can be riskier than usual due to increased traffic volumes, tiredness, congestion, people driving in unfamiliar environments, and the possibility that some may be driving under the influence.

Transport for NSW reported four people died on NSW roads between December 24 and January 3 last holiday period, with many others injured.

“Speeding, fatigue, and alcohol are the three main causes of death and injury on our roads. To make our roads safer people need to make safer decisions,” Dr Bonning said.

AMA (NSW) is reminding residents to plan your trips ahead and to be flexible with conditions.

“Take time to plan your trip – avoid peak hours, pick your route, be realistic with your deadline, and make sure to include plenty of stops to rest.

“Fatigue-related crashes can happen on any trip no matter the distance or what time of day it is. Think about how tired you are before getting behind the wheel and recognise the signs of fatigue. Even if you don’t feel tired, take regular breaks to avoid becoming tired,” Dr Bonning said.

It’s recommended drivers take a break every two hours.

“It’s important to be patient with your journey. The fastest route may not always be the safest.

“The ‘holiday rush’ doesn’t include rushing on our roads. Speeding contributes to more fatalities on the road than anything other reason, so it’s important to drive according to the conditions and slow down where needed.

“Just going only five kilometres over in a 60-kilometre zone doubles your risk of having a crash. It can also lessen your reaction time and cause the impact of a crash to be more severe,” Dr Bonning said.

Driving under the influence of alcohol can reduce your ability to judge how fast you’re going on the roads. It is an offence to drive with the blood alcohol limit of over 0.05.

“You don’t have to be drunk to be affected by alcohol. Alcohol can affect your skills, mood and behaviour and drink driving has no place on our roads.

“If you’re at a Christmas party or social gathering and plan to drink alcohol, always have a way home that doesn’t involve being behind the wheel.

“If you’re walking home, remember that you are vulnerable as a pedestrian and need to take extra care,” Dr Bonning said.

AMA (NSW) is reminding drivers that you’re not only sharing the road with other motor vehicles, but you’re sharing the road with cyclists and pedestrians too.

Other road safety reminders include not using a mobile phone, always wearing a seatbelt, not allowing yourself to get frustrated with the conditions, being extra alert to your surroundings, double checking your loads (caravan, cargo, luggage etc.) are secured, and making sure you check your vehicle’s oil, coolant, lights, brakes, and tyres beforehand.

“Everyone should arrive alive. It’s not worth taking unnecessary risks on our roads ever,” Dr Bonning said.

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