Stay safe, avoid fine

LISMORE City Council has reminded residents to include travel planning in their Australia Day preparations this year to ensure they stay safe.

LISMORE City Council has reminded residents to include travel planning in their Australia Day preparations this year to ensure they stay safe - and avoid a double demerit fine.

Lismore City Council's Road Safety Officer Lisa Marshall said planning ahead, driving to conditions and not speeding are travel essentials that should be followed every time drivers go on the road, and especially during high risk times such as the Australia Day holiday period.

"The message is clear, do the right thing when you are out on the roads and keep yourself, your families and your loved ones safe," Ms Marshall said.

"Speeding is still the biggest contributing factor in local crashes, causing 30 per cent of all crashes each year.  We are saying again to all drivers, slow down and don't become another statistic on our roads."

Sergeant Jodie Hamilton from the Richmond Local Area Command said Police will be actively targeting local and holiday traffic offenders.

"From midnight on Tuesday, January 24 through until midnight, January 29 there will be an increased Police presence on our roads and double demerits will apply to all speed, occupant restraint and helmet offences," Seargeant Hamilton said.

"Keep it simple - plan ahead, drive to the conditions, stay safe and enjoy the Australia Day celebrations!"

Holiday season road safety tips:

• Drive to the conditions
• Always drive within the speed limit and below it if it is wet.
• Slow down in bad weather.
• Watch out for changes in the speed limit.  They are indicators of changes in risks.
• Use the "Three Second Rule" to ensure a safe distance from the car in front.
• Plan your journey so you have enough time to arrive safely.
• If you are running late for an appointment, does it really matter? Plan your time better next time.
• Look out for driver-reviver stations and take advantage of their facilities. 

See website http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/fatigue/driverreviverstops/index.html

Originally published as Stay safe, avoid fine