As we approach Christmas, you’re likely to hear that classic song, 12 Days of Christmas. In that vein, here are 12 things to help you make every journey safe over Christmas, or any time.
At the moment, WA’s crash statistics indicate the number of deaths on our roads is on track to be less than the 175 fatalities recorded in 2022. But there are no guarantees.
These tips will help us get there.
They’re all small changes, but if enough people make little changes such as these to their driving habits, it will make a big difference to our road toll. Best of all, they’ll cost you nothing, and can potentially save you a lifetime of regret.
- Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears their seat belt and babies are safe in their restraints. In 2022, 25 people who died on WA roads weren’t wearing seat belts. If you’re not wearing a seat belt, you’re seven times more likely to die in a serious crash.
- Slow down a bit and drive at or under the speed limit. Speed is the biggest killer on our roads. Safety stats show that for every 5 km/h increase in travelling speed in a 60 km/h zone, the risk of being injured in a crash doubles.
- Avoid alcohol and be drug-free if you intend to drive.
- Pay attention to what’s happening on the road. Forget your phone, turn it off and leave it in the glovebox, your handbag or back seat.
- Ensure you’re sufficiently rested before driving. Take a break, change drivers, and
get enough sleep the night before. - Be patient. Why not put your foot on the brake pedal if the traffic light changes to yellow rather than on the accelerator?
- Think twice, look twice before overtaking.
- Adjust your driving style to conditions. Slow down if it’s raining or getting dark, if road works are underway, or if you’re driving on gravel or unknown roads.
- Keep calm if there’s a traffic jam or incident. Road rage doesn’t help anyone.
- On country roads, be aware that kangaroos and other animals might be on the road.
- If you’re driving in the Kimberley and other northern parts of the State, be aware the wet season is approaching. You might need to check conditions and consider possible flooding.
- Wear your helmet if you ride a motorbike, bicycle or eRideable. You’re vulnerable on two wheels and if you have a crash, a helmet can be the difference between walking away from it or not.
