Thousands of school holiday makers and their families from around the state are making their way to destinations to enjoy the two-week break. However, NSW police are urging motorists to take care on the roads and show restraint towards their speeds.
So far this holiday period, there has been a number of incidents injuring motorists. One example occurred on the M1 Pacific Motorway (F3) at Mooney, where there was a multiple vehicle accident approaching Peats Ridge Road. Multiple people were taken to hospital while the motorway was blocked for several hours causing severe delays.
Stuart Smith, Acting Assistant Commissioner and Commander of Traffic Services, said this highlighted the risk for motorists over the holiday period.
"We are reminding motorists to be alert and exercise patience as traffic is likely to increase over the next few days," he said.
Commissioner Smith explained there are always some common themes which cause crashes on NSW roads, which police will be targeting with more force.
"In particular, we want drivers to be vigilant about the 'fatal five', which are the most common contributors to road trauma – speed, fatigue, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, and electronic device distraction (such as mobile phones)," he stated.
"Police will also be out in force prepared to deal with those who choose to flout the law."
NSW police reminded drivers to plan their trip well and understand the consequences should they take any necessary risks while travelling to and from holiday destinations.
"We want you to spend your time off with family and friends; not recovering in a hospital, getting charged at a police station, or grieving the loss of a loved one," Commissioner Smith said.
27 people had lost their lives on NSW roads as of June 29, and that figure is on track to match last year's mark.
NSW car accident compensation
If you are involved in a car accident in NSW over the school holidays and suffer a whiplash injury or worse, you could be eligible for compensation. The motor accident compensation scheme extends to most motorists including drivers and pedestrians.
It is important to contact a car accident compensation lawyer as soon as you are well enough. They can offer advice about your possible claim and discuss the circumstances around the accident.
These lawyers operate on a no win no fee basis so they can advise you on your chances for success free of charge – if they think you have a case, it's completely up to you whether you engage their services.
