NSW Police are urging motorists to slow down, plan ahead and drive to the conditions as families take to the roads for the spring school holidays.
Today, Friday 25 September, marks the final day of Term 3 for NSW public schools, with increased traffic expected across the state as families begin travelling for the school holiday break.
For those travelling through the Clarence Valley, the holiday period can bring increased traffic along the Pacific Highway and on roads leading to popular coastal destinations.
The warning comes as NSW continues to record a concerning number of fatalities on its roads. As of midnight Tuesday, 22 September, 253 people had lost their lives on NSW roads this year, eight more than at the same point last year.
Nine separate crashes across NSW since Thursday, 17 September have resulted in the deaths of seven men, a teenage boy and a teenage girl.
Commander of Traffic and Highway Patrol, Assistant Commissioner David Driver, said police would have a particular focus on speed, general road compliance and roadside alcohol and drug testing during the school holidays.
Police are asking drivers to make sensible decisions, obey the road rules and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Transport for NSW has also reminded motorists that heavier holiday traffic means drivers may need to allow additional travel time, remain patient and adjust their speed to suit road and weather conditions.
Whether you’re heading away for the holidays, travelling to the coast or simply using our local roads, allow extra time for the trip, avoid rushing and take regular breaks on longer journeys.
Everyone wants to make it to their holiday destination safely and, just as importantly, make it home again.
