Tag Archives: nsw roads

Safe driving this Christmas

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car driving on road

Drive safely this holiday season

This time of year is always one of the most high risk times on our roads, with Christmas parties, end of year celebrations and people taking to the highways as they head off for a well-deserved break.

In NSW drink driving is a factor in around one in every five fatal crashes. This statistic astounds me when you consider just how much information is out there on the dangers of drink driving.

Drink Driving
The message is plain and simple, having any amount of alcohol when driving increases the risk of being involved in a crash. You don’t have to be drunk to have been affected by alcohol, which is why if you are planning on driving, the best advice is to not drink at all.

If you are hosting a party this Christmas and new year here are some things you can do to look after your guests so they get home safely:

  • Make sure you provide plenty of food, soft drinks and water
  • Offer to let your guests stay over and
  • Don’t let guests drive home if they have been drinking.

Driver Fatigue
Tiredness is another major killer on our roads. At this time of year many people are driving long distances on unfamiliar roads and often people leave for their holiday in the early hours of the morning to avoid traffic – it means they are driving when their body is programmed to sleep.

The statistics show if you drive between 10pm and dawn you’re four times more likely to have a fatal, fatigue-related crash.

Some tips:

  • Plan ahead
  • Take regular breaks (see NSW Driver Reviver locations)
  • Share the driving
  • Don’t start a long trip after a long day’s work and never drive when you would normally be asleep. Fighting tiredness won’t work – the only cure is sleep.

Wear your seatbelt
It’s remarkable how many people still don’t wear their seatbelts. Many fatalities could have been prevented if only the driver and passengers were wearing their seatbelts. Often it’s not just you that needs to buckle up, so make sure your kids are properly secured in a child restraint.

Roadwork speed limits
If you’re driving along the Pacific Highway, remember roadwork speed limits still apply although works have stopped for the Christmas break. While there may be some inconvenience during this time, the NRMA is pleased that the Government is getting on with the project to deliver the Highway by 2016.

Travelling on country roads
For those of you travelling on country roads, keep in mind that the road conditions are not like local areas. Be extremely careful of:

  • Potholes and rough surfaces
  • Soft or broken road edges
  • Single lane bridges or road surfaces that change without notice
  • Livestock and wildlife  - they often cross country roads, particularly just near sunrise or sunset which is why it is crucial that you drive to the conditions.

Petrol Prices
The NRMA will be working over the Christmas period to monitor petrol prices and there will be no justification for any sudden Christmas price hike.

Please remember, each and everyone of us are responsible for keeping our roads safe this Christmas.

Have a safe and merry Christmas.

NSW’s worst road spots revealed – Red Flag survey results

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The NRMA’s Seeing Red on Roads campaign kicks off today with the results of our red flag survey.

Back in December we asked you what you thought were the worst sections of roads in NSW. The feedback from our Members and the community was impressive, with more than 9000 community members taking the time to tell us about the most frustrating road spots in their local area.

The five worst road spots in NSW were:

1.         Pacific Highway between Coffs Harbour and Macksville
2.         Princes Highway between Berry and Bateman’s Bay
3.         M5 Motorway at the King Georges Road intersection
4.         Pennant Hills Road between the M2 and F3
5.         M4 Motorway where the toll gates used to be at Auburn

See the full Red Flag survey results.

The campaign will run over the next seven weeks fighting to make roads a central theme in the NSW state election.

This campaign is designed to make politicians accountable for roads, ensuring they deliver better and safer roads for NSW. However we can’t do it alone – we need your help.

If you want to get involved come along to one of our events being held across NSW and sign our red flag petition. These flags will be handed over to the next government after the election. Events are taking place at the following dates and locations:

Friday 4 February 2011 – Port Macquarie
Tuesday 8 February 2011 – Wagga
Wednesday 9 February 2011 – Dubbo
Tuesday 15 February 2011 – Bateman’s Bay

If you want to talk about the campaign or the results of the survey here is your chance to be heard.  What frustrates you most on NSW roads?

Update 11:45am 03 Feb 2011

#Redflag survey has been reopened due to community requests

Long weekend road toll raises the question of a Bells Line upgrade

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The road toll for New South Wales this long weekend reached 8, more than double the previous year’s toll for the same period. 

Four members from the same family were tragically killed, after their sedan collided head-on with a semi trailer on the Bells Line of road at Bilpin.  Police believe the accident was triggered after the car overtook another vehicle.

A 2003 audit by the NRMA showed that in the previous 10 years, 129 people have died and 2984 people were injured in accidents on Blue Mountains crossings with 23 of those deaths on the Bells Line of Road.

According to an NRMA study, drivers on the Bells Line of Road are unable to overtake slower vehicles for over 80% of the 81 kilometre route unless they attempt dangerous overtaking manoeuvres.

Some have suggested building a four-lane Bells Line Expressway is the best way to improve safety on that route while others believe smaller-scale plans such as improving the worst sections of the existing two-lane road and/or installing more passing lanes would be more achievable. 

Do you drive the Bells Line of road and do you find it a dangerous road on which to drive?  What do you think could be done to improve conditions?

Your road, your rules

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The road rules govern the interaction of pedestrians and motorists. While they are there to make the roads safe for all road users, they will always be the topic of debate.

The rules are put under even more scrutiny when a new rule is made or an old rule is amended to respond to the changing nature of vehicles, technology and the road itself.

But imagine, for a moment, that you are in charge. You can roll out the rules you want and scratch those that you don’t. Now is your chance to alleviate your frustration, get where you’re going on time and improve traffic flow.

It’s your road, so you make the rules.

If you were given the job of designing a road and the road rules that go with it, what rules would you make? What rules would you keep and which would you discard?

Using snow chains in NSW Alpine Regions

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As winter approaches and holiday-makers begin to make their way to the state’s Alpine Regions, it is important to know the rules for driving in ‘snow and ice’ risk sections.

The RTA recommends the use of snow chains when driving in snowy conditions. They have also identified dangerous sections of road in Alpine Regions with yellow lane line markings and signposting.

National Park regulations state that all vehicles must carry chains if driving through a National Park’s designated ‘snow and ice’ risk sections.

Note that 4WDs are exempt from this regulation (’4WD’ includes SUVs and vehicles with all-wheel drive).

The current designated National Park ‘snow and ice’ risk sections are:

  • Alpine Way - Thredbo to Tom Grogin
  • Kosciuszko Road within the National Park boundary
  • Guthega Road within the National Park boundary

If directed by signs or an authorised officer, chains must be fitted to the vehicle’s driving wheels. This should be done at chain fitting bays located along the route.

The RTA advises that it will carry out random chain inspections along these sections of road during the ski season. Fines of over $300 will be issued to drivers who fail to comply with National Park regulations.

Of course, snow chains must not be relied upon to guarantee safety when driving in snowy conditions. Sensible driving practices appropriate for the conditions must be used.

Visit Stay safe on the road this season for driving tips and information.

Have you had difficulty driving in the snow? Should snow chains be mandatory in snowy conditions?