Roads will become busier than usual this Easter and over the Anzac Day long weekend as many people travel to visit family and friends or take the opportunity to get away for a few days.
“This holiday period I’m urging all road users to make responsible choices, avoid distractions and only drive if fit to do so. These actions can make all the difference in preventing further tragedy and ensuring that everyone reaches their destination safely,” said Chair of the Road Safety Advisory Council, Scott Tilyard.
Last Easter one person died and *eight people were seriously injured. That compares to two deaths and six seriously injured over the Easter period in 2023.
“Many sympathise when they hear about a serious or fatal crash, but you can’t truly comprehend the impact—what it feels like to get that phone call or knock at the door—until it happens to you or someone you love. For those families, life will never be the same, it’s a reality we wouldn’t wish on anyone,” said Mr Tilyard.
While governments and road safety partners remain committed to a safe system approach – designing safer roads, vehicles and speeds to reduce the risk of harm – road users also have a vital role to play in road safety.
“Change can only happen when we all work together and we need all road users to make safe and responsible choices every time they take to the roads,” said Mr Tilyard.
“Simple decisions – like adjusting your speed to suit driving conditions, wearing a seatbelt, ignoring incoming phone messages and giving vulnerable road users the space they need – are just some examples of how drivers can help keep everyone safer.”
Police will be out and about this holiday period, keeping an eye on highways and local streets and roads, cracking down on dangerous behaviours like speeding, using mobile phones and driving under the influence.
Driver Reviver stations will also be set up by SES volunteers at Raspins Beach at Orford and Valentine Park at Campbell Town on Easter Monday (21 April) between 10 am and 4 pm.
The Driver Reviver program is a community safety initiative managed by the Road Safety Advisory Council (RSAC), with support from the Motor Accidents Insurance Board (MAIB) and State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers and national sponsors. Volunteers will be offering free tea, coffee and snacks to travellers who take a break.
“We urge all drivers to plan and take regular breaks when travelling this Easter. Taking a break during your journey is a simple step that could save not only your life but the lives of others,” said Mr Tilyard.
Safe driving tips this Easter:
- Speed: Obey the speed limit and adjust your driving to suit changing road, weather and traffic conditions.
- Wear a seatbelt – Make sure everyone in the car is buckled up. Seatbelts save lives.
- Distraction: Put your phone down, concentrate on the road ahead – no message is worth a life or being seriously injured.
- Drink and drug driving: It’s not worth the risk – plan a safe way home, whether it’s a designated driver, taxi or uber or make plans to stay with a friend.
- Fatigue: Fatigue is often underestimated. Rest before you drive – With less than five hours sleep, you’re four times more likely to crash. If you’re feeling tired while driving, find a safe spot to pull over, have a rest or swap drivers if possible.