Young drivers urged to plan their schoolies journey

Police are urging young drivers to plan ahead if they are travelling to regional centres to celebrate Schoolies Week.

Traffic Services Branch Commander, Assistant Commissioner John Hartley, is reminding young drivers to drive cautiously on New South Wales roads, as schoolies celebrations get underway in many regional centres.

"In recent weeks we've seen too many young drivers lose their lives -- or those of their passengers -- in crashes which could have been prevented," Assistant Commissioner Hartley said.

"I am greatly concerned about anecdotes I hear from my highway patrol officers -- and members of the public -- about poor behaviour by young drivers, many travelling to regional centres.

"In past years I've heard reports of carloads of young people travelling at high speeds on highways and major roads.

"Some of these will be young people from metropolitan areas who won't know the country roads, the local risks, or the local conditions that can catch out inexperienced drivers.

"Country roads are challenging enough for people who've been driving for decades.

"There is a genuine risk for a new driver to drive for long distances, on roads they may not know, especially for extended times.

"Young drivers should also be mindful of potential distractions: loud music, noise and a car full of passengers increase that risk.

"I know we repeat these messages but it is vital that all drivers adhere to the basics:
· Plan your trip;
· Make sure you take rest breaks every two hours, or share the driving;
· Reduce speed when raining or if weather conditions are poor (ie: fog);
· Heed road signs warning of local road conditions or wildlife.

"Each driver must make a personal choice to drive responsibly and not just when they see a police car.

"We need young drivers to have a long, hard think about alcohol, speed and fatigue.

"Keep in mind alcohol can stay in your system for hours after your last drink. P-licence holders must have a zero blood alcohol level.

"Each driver is responsible for their own safety, and that of their friends. They need to make the right choices."

Assistant Commissioner Hartley also urged parents to speak with their children before they embark on a long trip, and to reinforce good driver practices.

"Many of our young people will be marking a significant milestone in their life in the coming days and weeks.

"We don't want this time -- when they and their families should be celebrating -- to be remembered as a time marred by death or injury as a consequence of a preventable road crash.

"We want every young person to get safely to their destination, and home again," Assistant Commissioner Hartley said.

The NSW road toll stands at 386 - 14 fewer than at the same time last year.

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News & Politics

Tags:

• safe driving
• road safety
• NSW Police Force
• NSW Police