WA’s road toll invariably spikes during the Christmas and New Year holidays, when traffic volumes increase dramatically and people travel longer distances on unfamiliar roads, sometimes while fatigued and/or speeding.
Here's some tips to remember over the break if you're "hitting the road":
- Before going on long road trips, check your fluids, lights and tyres or even consider getting your car serviced; and check any trailer and caravan attachments are secure
- Ensure you’re well rested before going on a long road trip, give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination, and take frequent breaks during your journey (about 15 minutes every two hours).
- Avoid driving at odd hours of the morning or night, when you would normally be asleep – you may have less traffic to contend with, but you’re at higher risk of having dangerous micro-sleeps at the wheel.
- Stick to the speed limit. Double demerits apply from Friday 18 December 2020 - Sunday 3 January 2021.
- It goes without saying that you should not drink and drive. If you’re going to a party, catch a cab or carpool with friends and decide who’s going to be the designated driver.
