Everyone across the South Coast knows that our roads are busier over the holiday season as families travel to spend quality time with their loved ones.

However, over the course of the twelve months prior to November, there were 1,253 fatalities recorded on Australian roads, indicating a 4.3 percent rise in road-related deaths compared to last year. No one wants this number to grow over the holiday season.

This holiday season it is up to all of us to take responsibility for our actions and stay safe on our roads.

All road users are being urged to take care, slow down and allow plenty of extra travel time to help keep themselves and other road users safe. Most importantly abide by the law and follow Australian road rules.

So, no matter if you are traveling on familiar or unfamiliar roads, take a moment to assess your surroundings, and adjust your driving and speed to the conditions.

Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips is calling for all drivers to adapt your driving to the conditions and follow the Australian road rules.

Whether you are popping up to the shop for the final stocking fillers or packing the kids into the car for a longer journey.

Please stop and take a moment to plan your journey.

Road safety is a everyone's responsibility, and during this holiday season, please drive in a manner

that aligns with this.

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

“Every death on Australian roads is a tragedy.”

“Be mindful when driving, riding, biking or walking this holiday season. Death is not just a statistic; they are individuals – someone's parent, sibling, colleague, or a cherished friend. The consequences of these fatalities are beyond measure, with grief, trauma, and lasting regret affecting the lives of those left behind.”

“My message is simple – buckle up, do not drink and drive, do not speed, do not take risks, take breaks when you’re tired and reduce your speed on rural and regional roads.”

Quotes attributable to Fiona Phillips MP, Member for Gilmore:

“We live in the most beautiful part of the world – and that means that we always see a huge increase in visitors during the holiday season.

“With increased visitors, we see increased traffic and local people are sadly no strangers to the dangers this increase can cause on our roads.

“We want everyone to have a safe and happy festive season, so I am really encouraging everyone to think carefully, keep patience at the front of your mind, and take caution on our roads this Christmas.

Let’s work together to make this a zero fatality season here on the South Coast.

I also want to say a big thank you to everyone who is working over this Christmas period, our Police, emergency services, nurses, doctors, hospitality workers – a long list of people who spend this time helping and protecting others. Thank you for everything you do.”