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December is the deadliest month on Australian roads.

Increased travel time, crowded lanes, and holiday excitement all contribute to a higher risk of accidents. During the festive season, many people hurry to their destinations, often at the expense of safety. Sadly, increased alcohol consumption is also a factor in many accidents.

This holiday rush has already led to tragic consequences around Australia, with seven people having died in 48 hours on NSW roads – marking a grim start to the holiday season.

In the past 12 months alone, 1,295 Australians have lost their lives on our roads, an increase of 5.2% compared to this time last year.

It’s a good time to remember how important road safety is.

According to the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety – Queensland, there are five causes of fatal crashes on our roads: distractions, drunk driving, speeding, fatigue and unrestrained behaviours. 

The behaviours which contribute to these devasting figures are avoidable. This holiday season it's crucial to reconsider your driving habits to ensure the safety of yourself & others on the road.

Five tips to help you stay safe on the road

1. Know your route

When visiting family or holidaying in another city or state, remember to have navigation set up before you drive, know your route and drive safely in unfamiliar areas. When you’re lost, you may be more distracted. And it’s not just a problem in rural holiday destinations: 75% of all road deaths occurred in or around a major city.

2. Reduce speed

Speeding contributes to 41% of all road deaths in Australia. Check for signs indicating the appropriate road speed, stay within the limit, and always drive according to the road conditions.

3. Share the wheel

When travelling with another licensed driver, plan to take rest stops every two hours and switch drivers to stay alert and safe. Driving fatigue is a serious risk: being awake for 17 hours within a 24-hour period causes the same level of impairment as a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05.

4. Seatbelts save lives!

Wearing a seatbelt while driving any distance will double your chance of survival. Before driving, take the necessary steps to ensure all passengers' seatbelts are securely fastened.

5. Remove distractions

You are 10 times more at risk of crashing if you are distracted by a mobile phone. But distractions aren't limited to phones; they also include GPS devices, eating, and interacting with passengers. It's important to stop for meals when needed. That's also a time when you can safely check your phone.

This holiday season, remember to reduce your speed and stay vigilant on the road, making sure you drive safe to arrive safe

If you or a loved one have been injured on the road, we can help.

Anyone involved in a road accident should seek legal advice. Time limits apply, so don’t delay. The time limit for starting a claim after an accident can vary depending on where you are and what kind of claim you want to make. It's best to begin the process and get legal advice as soon as possible.

Use our free claim check tool to find out if you have a claim, or contact us today to speak with one of our expert road accident lawyers.

 The initial consultation is free and without obligation.

Our expert road injury lawyers can help

Our specialist road injury lawyers are experienced in a range of claims related to road accident injuries. If you've been hurt on the road, we can help you understand your options. 

Easy ways to get in touch

We are here to help. Give us a call, request a call back or use our free claim check tool to get in touch with our friendly legal team. With local knowledge and a national network of experts, we have the experience you can count on. 

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We have lawyers who specialise in a range of legal claims who travel to Australian Capital Territory. If you need a lawyer in Canberra or elsewhere in Australian Capital Territory, please call us on 1800 675 346.

We have lawyers who specialise in a range of legal claims who travel to Tasmania. If you need a lawyer in Hobart, Launceston or elsewhere in Tasmania, please call us on 1800 675 346.