Media Release Mar 20 2008

Eggs-ercise safety and caution this Easter

Easter is a wonderful opportunity not only to indulge in the spoils of the Easter bunny or bilby, but to also enjoy the holiday and take a break with family and friends.

Unfortunately, the extra road traffic expected throughout the Easter long weekend increases the likelihood of motor accidents. While some accidents are unavoidable, others are not.

You don’t have to travel far from home to witness chaotic and dangerous driving. Inexperience, exhaustion, time constraints and unfavourable driving conditions can result in mistakes by even the most diligent drivers.

“For every person killed on Australian roads, another eleven lie hurt in the trauma wards of the nation’s hospitals” says Dr Tony Joseph, Head of Trauma at Royal North Shore Hospital.

“No one says much about the survivors and the realities of their injuries. Recovery from these injuries can take years, and the pain may never go away.”

“There is no limit to the type of injury that might be inflicted. Spinal cord injuries, ruptured spleens, severed limbs and severe burns are the sort of things I see every long weekend.”

“Cars are dangerous machines and should be handled with care.”

Here is an Easter holiday road safety check list for drivers. Even experienced road users need to pay attention to how they drive if we are ever to spare our families the horror and pain of being a road trauma casualty.

Before you set off do an NRMA POWER check.

POWER stands for Petrol, Oils, Water, Electric and Rubber (tyres). These should be visually checked once a week and before big journeys. It’s important that your car is safe and will respond as anticipated.

Be a courteous driver. The roads are paid for by everybody and there to be shared by everybody. Try putting yourself in another driver’s situation and give him or her some support.

DO
Allow other drivers to merge and change lanes easily. It won’t get you to your destination a minute earlier to ignore someone else’s indicator light and it could cause a frightening accident
Maintain at minimum a two second gap from the vehicle ahead, irrespective of travel speed, weather conditions and time of day. Give yourself room to move if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly
Keep left at all times unless overtaking.
Indicate early. When you can indicate for at least 30 meters before turning or changing lanes
Drive with anticipation. Expect the unexpected and remember we all make mistakes.
Follow road rules and speed limits

DO NOT
Overuse your horn. Horns are to alert and warn other drivers and pedestrians of danger. They are not for expressing frustration or anger
Don’t gesture to other drivers or engage in arguments
Don’t take your anger or personal frustration out on the road. If you are upset stay out of the car

Remember to stay relaxed behind the wheel. Concentrate on your own driving and safety rather than the behaviour of others.

Easter tips for drivers
Don’t set off on a long trip at the end of a days work
Sleep well before travelling
Don’t drive at times you would normally be asleep (early morning or late at night)
Take a 15 minute break OUTSIDE your car two hours
Caring is sharing. Share the driving
Keep the inside of your car cool. Use air-conditioning or wind down windows
Check medication. Does it warn you not to drive? Then don’t!
Eat good, well balanced meals at regular times. You need the energy for brain activity and concentration
Don’t set unrealistic deadlines. Allow time for a power nap if you need it and never speed to make up time

More than 1,800 deaths occur each year as a result of road accidents. If this many people died of a disease, we’d all be wearing ribbons.

Car accidents are often followed by sorrow, pain and suffering. And regret. Dr Joseph and his staff know. They see it all too often.

Happy Easter from Royal North Shore Emergency

Media Contact: Kristen Bunyard 02 9926 7199 or 0413 025 742

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