Slowing down and resting regularly is the key message from the Sturt Highway Taskforce this festive season, as part of its 'Arrive safe this Christmas' campaign.
Taskforce Chair and Murrumbidgee Mayor Ruth McRae OAM said speed and fatigue remain two of the biggest killers on NSW roads.
"Too many crashes come down to simple decisions - pushing on when you're tired or driving too fast to make up time," Cr McRae said.
"Christmas and the summer holidays shouldn't come with a deadline. Take your time, take a break, and you'll take home what matters most."
The roads are expected to be busy and drivers are urged to stay alert. From December 2023 to January 2024, NSW recorded 38 fatalities and 490 serious injuries. Fatigue remains a major contributor to crashes, and realistic travel planning is critical.
Drivers are urged to:
- Plan trips in advance and allow extra time for holiday traffic.
- Stop for a rest every two hours or sooner if tired.
- Share the driving, where possible.
- Avoid driving when normally asleep - don't drive into the night.
"The festive season brings more traffic through our Shire, and it only takes a moment's fatigue to cause a tragedy," said Narrandera Shire Mayor Neville Kschenka OAM.
"A short break at one of our local rest stops or towns can make all the difference. It's a simple choice that helps ensure every journey ends safely - for you, your passengers, and everyone sharing the road."
The taskforce reminds motorists that double demerits will be in force and police will be out and about throughout the festive period.
The Sturt Highway Taskforce includes the councils of Wagga Wagga, Narrandera, Leeton, Hay, Murray River, Balranald, Wentworth and Murrumbidgee. The group advocates for investment in safety, infrastructure and freight efficiency along the 605-kilometre highway, which connects Tarcutta in NSW to Adelaide via Victoria and South Australia.
Source: Transport for NSW, NSW Road Safety Progress Report 2024, accessed 31 October 2025, https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/reports-and-publications/nsw-road-safety-progress-report-2024.
