‘We’ve seen too many crashes’: Paramedics issue stark warning to drivers ahead of festive season

PARAMEDICS are urging NT motorists to exercise some common sense on the road after a horror run-up to Christmas

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EMERGENCY service crews are urging Northern Territory motorists to exercise some common sense on the road after a horror run-up to Christmas.

The festive period is expected to be particularly busy for St John Ambulance crews this year, with more Territorians hitting the road with international travel off the table.

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It comes after paramedics responded to a tragic incident where a pedestrian was struck and killed by a road train on the Stuart Highway on Tuesday.

Director of Ambulance Services Andrew Thomas said 31 lives had been lost on NT roads this year, and they didn’t want to see more over Christmas and the New Year.

“If you’re out on the roads these holidays, take time to plan your drive, drive to the conditions and wear seatbelts,” Mr Thomas said.

“Our staff have been to too many vehicle crashes this year.

Paramedic Samantha Cooper urged Territorians to be safe on the roads. Picture Katrina Bridgeford.

“We want to make sure people can be safe and get together for a really good Christmas after the tough year we’ve had. Our staff will be out there. Give the staff the room they need to do their job.

“They’re, in effect, giving up their Christmas with their family to be able to be there and deliver care across the Northern Territory when it’s needed, and provide high level quality care for patients when they’re called out.”

There were about 11 lives lost on Northern Territory roads during the month of December last year.

Commander Matthew Hollamby said motorists could expect to be pulled over for roadside breath tests this Christmas as a part of a new road safety campaign called Operation Roland.

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“Take care of your family and your friends and take care of the wider community

– and don’t drink and drive,” he said.

“Fatal crashes are terribly disturbing.

“I don’t really think there’s anyone that hasn’t been touched by a fatal crash at some stage in their lives.

“There are people that won’t be celebrating Christmas with us this year, and I think a lot of families will have an empty seat at the table.”

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