Urges Residents to Drive Safely this Christmas

Published on 30 November 2022

Christmas holidays are fast approaching, and many families are preparing to travel to spend Christmas and New Year with their loved ones.  

Council’s Road Safety Officer, Steph Puntoriero, is reminding families to always drive safely on the roads and not to drive when tired. 

“Research shows that being awake for 17 hours can have a similar effect on performance as having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05,” Mrs Puntoriero said. 

“We’re all eager to see loved ones at this time of year, but it’s important not to speed and include plenty of rest breaks in your journey,” she said. 

Drivers should also be aware that Tuesday 20 December 2022 is the last gazetted school day and school zone speed limits will be enforced until that date. 

NSW Police will be out in force over the Christmas and New Year holiday season with double demerits applying from midnight Friday 23 December 2022 to midnight Monday 2 January 2023.  

Double demerits will be enforced for speeding, illegal use of a mobile phone and not wearing a seatbelt or a motorcycle helmet.  

Motorists can take a fast and fun interactive test at Test your tired self to see how tired they might be before driving.  

They can also find useful tips on what they need to do before getting behind the wheel to avoid driving tired.   

“This December, please be sensible when you’re behind the wheel or on a bike,” urged Mrs Puntoriero. 

“Think and drive, survive and thrive this festive season, and give the best gift of all to those you love by being there on Christmas Day.”  

ENDS

MEDIA ENQUIRIES 

Stephanie Puntoriero (Road Safety Officer)

E: council@leeton.nsw.gov.au

P: 02 6953 0911