Summer road safety in the Eurobodalla
NSW Police Force, Transport for NSW and Eurobodalla Shire Council are encouraging drivers to look out for each other and drive safely this summer with road fatalities in the region up on 2022.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said, since last Christmas there have been nine lives lost on roads in the Eurobodalla shire, three more than the 12 months prior.
“Seven fatalities in the past 12 months have been on the Princes Highway, which is always busy during our summer season, with people travelling to and from our region,” the spokesperson said.
“Of the seven fatalities, at least three were speed related and two due to fatigue.
“Regardless of the distance you’re travelling, do so safely by, wearing your seatbelt or helmet, make sure you’re well rested and take regular breaks, put down the mobile phone, drive to the sign-posted speed limit and never drive if you’re affected by drugs or alcohol.
“To help improve safety along the Princes Highway, Transport for NSW has recently carried out improvement work and reduced speed limits at a number of key locations.
“This includes widened centre lines on the highway between Mogo and Moruya and widened centre lines and dedicated turning lanes between Turlinjah and Bumbo Road at Bodalla, to separate traffic and reduce the risk of head on crashes.
The new South Bateman Bay Link Road roundabout will also improve safety for those coming in and out of Glenella Road.
“We have also implemented speed reductions north of Batemans Bay and Moruya, to help reduce the likelihood and severity of crashes.
“We remind motorists to be aware of the speed limit at all times, whether on the highway or local roads as it may have recently changed.”
NSW Police will have an increased presence on the network this holiday season, so you’ll see more patrolling the roads at all times of the day.
Supervisor of Batemans Bay Highway Patrol Sergeant Angus Duncombe said, “The message is simple. If you do the wrong thing - whether it be speeding, using your phone while driving or drink or drug driving - expect to get caught and face the consequences.”
Transport for NSW has also partnered with Eurobodalla Council, delivering safety initiatives for locals including motorcycle safety workshops, caravan weigh days, random breath testing at events, and road safety workshops at Moruya TAFE. This work will continue in the new year.
Council’s Road Safety Officer Emily Evans said, “Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and - whether you’re planning a road trip to Sydney or Canberra, taking the caravan out, or driving five minutes up the road - doing the right thing these holidays means we all get home safely.”