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The one toll you can avoid this Christmas


The one toll you can avoid this Christmas

Author: NRMA MediaDate: 22 December 2010

The NRMA is urging drivers to be safe on the roads and avoid becoming a statistic this festive season.

NRMA President Wendy Machin said she did not want a repeat of last year, which saw eight people lose their lives on the road during the holiday period.

"The roads are busier around Christmas and the onus is on all of us to act responsibly whether we are drivers, passengers, cyclists or pedestrians.

"Ensure your car and the passengers in it are safe before going away on holidays. This means making sure your car is serviced and roadworthy and that you and your passengers are wearing their seatbelts before turning the engine on," said Ms Machin.

Fatigue and drink driving are just some examples of the most common causes of fatal accidents this festive season.

"You're four times more likely to have a fatal fatigue crash if you’re driving between 10pm and dawn. That's because your body's programmed to sleep at that time," said Ms Machin.

"Drink driving is also responsible for about one in every five fatal crashes. Any amount of alcohol increases the risk of being involved in a crash. If you are planning on driving, the best advice is to not drink any alcohol at all," said Ms Machin.

Last year police conducted 3.4 million breath tests in NSW.

Some tips for driving safe this holiday period are:

  • Alcohol: There is no absolute safe level of alcohol consumption for competent driving. For fully-licenced drivers the legal limit is 0.05. Zero for L and P plate drivers. If you plan to drink plan not to drive.
  • Concentrate: Driving is a complex task. Ensure you start your trip well rested.
  • Driver Fatigue: Take at least a 15 minute break from driving every two hours. Rest area maps are located on the RTA website www.rta.nsw.gov.au. Share the driving whenever possible.
  • Speed Limits: Never exceed the posted speed-limit. Slow down in wet weather.
  • Safe following distance: Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you - in wet weather allow for a greater stopping distance.
  • Child restraints: Babies and children should always be in an approved capsule or child restraint of the correct age and size. The NRMA recommends that correctly installed and sized child restraints be used until the child can safely and securely fit in an adult's seat belt.
  • Mobile Phones: It's illegal to drive using a hand-held mobile phone including when you are waiting at traffic lights.

Contact: Cie'Jai Leggett 0439 133 114

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