Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. This holiday period, the Australian Government urges drivers to choose road safety – whether you are buckling up for a drive or walking close to a road.

Over Christmas, we know there is an increase of road usage as people enjoy the festive season.

Nearly 1,200 people have been killed on Australian roads in the year ending in October this year, a 6 per cent increase of road deaths compared to the previous 12 months.

We are urging motorists to be extra cautious on rural and regional roads like the South Coast. Local roads have suffered extensively from recent floods, meaning drivers should drive with the expectation that roads will be damaged.

Almost two-thirds of road deaths each year happen on rural and regional roads. Although it is easy to blame the concentration of rural road deaths on visitors, we know locals are just as vulnerable to being killed or seriously injured.

So, whether you forgot to grab some cream for the pav’ or heading on a road trip, think before you drive.

Is your car safe to drive? Are you safe to be behind the wheel or are you too tired to be driving? Are your loved ones buckled up? Is everything secure? Have you planned your journey if you are driving an unfamiliar route?

Drive to the conditions; drive so others survive.

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown:

“Every death on Australian roads is a tragedy.

“My message could not be clearer – wear a seat belt, don’t drink and drive, stop and rest if you’re tired and importantly, slow down on rural and regional roads and don’t speed.

“Drive to the conditions and drive so others survive.”

Quotes attributable to Fiona Phillips MP, Member for Gilmore:

“The South Coast is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and we know this means that people love to holiday here. Our population can triple in the holidays, particularly with many people getting away for the first time since the pandemic.

“Devastatingly, that also means we see a significant increase in incidents on our roads, and our Princes Highway and regional roads are notorious for all the wrong reasons.

“After an unprecedented year of rain and floods that have decimated our local road network, it has never been more important to drive to the conditions, take things slowly and be patient with each other.

“I am urging everyone – locals and visitors alike – to be extra vigilant. It might take you a little longer to get to paradise – but at least you will get there.

“Let’s work together to make this a safe holiday season.”