One in five crashes: why drivers are urged to take care in school holidays
As school holidays begin on July 7, motorists who plan to hit the roads should drive according to the weather conditions, which are typically adverse during the winter months, police said.
In the July school holidays last year, eight people died in crashes, the same number as in 2023.
Police data showed that almost 20 per cent of crashes involving injuries or fatalities happened during the 12 weeks of public school holidays.
So far this year, 190 people have died on the NSW roads, 29 more deaths than at this time last year.
Officers will be conducting enforcement patrols and operations over the next two weeks.
Over previous holiday periods, Hunter-based highway patrol officers have warned drivers to be careful around known traffic pinch points, such as the M1 Pacific Highway at Hexham.
In the 2024 Christmas holidays, police said heavy holiday traffic was expected across Heatherbrae, Hexham and Beresfield.
The M1 extension to Raymond Terrace, which has caused backed-up traffic on Hunter roads, was expected to be completed by 2028.
Traffic and Highway Patrol commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said wet weather could contribute to serious crashes.
"Drivers need to be aware of the risks when travelling in wet and snowing conditions, with black ice a serious hazard on our roads at this time of year," Mr Driver said.
A dusting of snow fell on the Barrington Tops this week as severe weather bombarded the east coast of Australia.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service warned driving conditions were hazardous due to the combination of wind and wet conditions.
He said drivers should take extra care, reduce their speed and focus when heading off on road trips.
"As always, don't speed, wear a seatbelt, never drive when tired, do not use a mobile phone while driving and never drive if affected by drugs or alcohol," he said.
In the 2025 January and April school holiday period, there were 1305 crashes where people were injured, including 37 fatalities.
It has been a tragic few weeks on the Hunter roads, with several serious crashes ending in fatalities.
A young boy died in a two-car crash north of Scone on June 25, while a 55-year-old woman died in a North Lambton crash, and a 28-year-old woman lost her unborn baby.
Local legend Lenny Wilton died after being hit by a car outside his Awaba home, and in a separate incident, a 38-year-old woman died in a two-car crash in Fennell Bay.
With 20 per cent of serious crashes occurring during school holidays, police are urging drivers to take extra care before getting behind the wheel.
As school holidays begin on July 7, motorists who plan to hit the roads should drive according to the weather conditions, which are typically adverse during the winter months, police said.
In the July school holidays last year, eight people died in crashes, the same number as in 2023.
Police data showed that almost 20 per cent of crashes involving injuries or fatalities happened during the 12 weeks of public school holidays.
So far this year, 190 people have died on the NSW roads, 29 more deaths than at this time last year.
Officers will be conducting enforcement patrols and operations over the next two weeks.
Over previous holiday periods, Hunter-based highway patrol officers have warned drivers to be careful around known traffic pinch points, such as the M1 Pacific Highway at Hexham.
In the 2024 Christmas holidays, police said heavy holiday traffic was expected across Heatherbrae, Hexham and Beresfield.
The M1 extension to Raymond Terrace, which has caused backed-up traffic on Hunter roads, was expected to be completed by 2028.
Traffic and Highway Patrol commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said wet weather could contribute to serious crashes.
"Drivers need to be aware of the risks when travelling in wet and snowing conditions, with black ice a serious hazard on our roads at this time of year," Mr Driver said.
A dusting of snow fell on the Barrington Tops this week as severe weather bombarded the east coast of Australia.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service warned driving conditions were hazardous due to the combination of wind and wet conditions.
He said drivers should take extra care, reduce their speed and focus when heading off on road trips.
"As always, don't speed, wear a seatbelt, never drive when tired, do not use a mobile phone while driving and never drive if affected by drugs or alcohol," he said.
In the 2025 January and April school holiday period, there were 1305 crashes where people were injured, including 37 fatalities.
It has been a tragic few weeks on the Hunter roads, with several serious crashes ending in fatalities.
A young boy died in a two-car crash north of Scone on June 25, while a 55-year-old woman died in a North Lambton crash, and a 28-year-old woman lost her unborn baby.
Local legend Lenny Wilton died after being hit by a car outside his Awaba home, and in a separate incident, a 38-year-old woman died in a two-car crash in Fennell Bay.
With 20 per cent of serious crashes occurring during school holidays, police are urging drivers to take extra care before getting behind the wheel.
As school holidays begin on July 7, motorists who plan to hit the roads should drive according to the weather conditions, which are typically adverse during the winter months, police said.
In the July school holidays last year, eight people died in crashes, the same number as in 2023.
Police data showed that almost 20 per cent of crashes involving injuries or fatalities happened during the 12 weeks of public school holidays.
So far this year, 190 people have died on the NSW roads, 29 more deaths than at this time last year.
Officers will be conducting enforcement patrols and operations over the next two weeks.
Over previous holiday periods, Hunter-based highway patrol officers have warned drivers to be careful around known traffic pinch points, such as the M1 Pacific Highway at Hexham.
In the 2024 Christmas holidays, police said heavy holiday traffic was expected across Heatherbrae, Hexham and Beresfield.
The M1 extension to Raymond Terrace, which has caused backed-up traffic on Hunter roads, was expected to be completed by 2028.
Traffic and Highway Patrol commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said wet weather could contribute to serious crashes.
"Drivers need to be aware of the risks when travelling in wet and snowing conditions, with black ice a serious hazard on our roads at this time of year," Mr Driver said.
A dusting of snow fell on the Barrington Tops this week as severe weather bombarded the east coast of Australia.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service warned driving conditions were hazardous due to the combination of wind and wet conditions.
He said drivers should take extra care, reduce their speed and focus when heading off on road trips.
"As always, don't speed, wear a seatbelt, never drive when tired, do not use a mobile phone while driving and never drive if affected by drugs or alcohol," he said.
In the 2025 January and April school holiday period, there were 1305 crashes where people were injured, including 37 fatalities.
It has been a tragic few weeks on the Hunter roads, with several serious crashes ending in fatalities.
A young boy died in a two-car crash north of Scone on June 25, while a 55-year-old woman died in a North Lambton crash, and a 28-year-old woman lost her unborn baby.
Local legend Lenny Wilton died after being hit by a car outside his Awaba home, and in a separate incident, a 38-year-old woman died in a two-car crash in Fennell Bay.
With 20 per cent of serious crashes occurring during school holidays, police are urging drivers to take extra care before getting behind the wheel.
As school holidays begin on July 7, motorists who plan to hit the roads should drive according to the weather conditions, which are typically adverse during the winter months, police said.
In the July school holidays last year, eight people died in crashes, the same number as in 2023.
Police data showed that almost 20 per cent of crashes involving injuries or fatalities happened during the 12 weeks of public school holidays.
So far this year, 190 people have died on the NSW roads, 29 more deaths than at this time last year.
Officers will be conducting enforcement patrols and operations over the next two weeks.
Over previous holiday periods, Hunter-based highway patrol officers have warned drivers to be careful around known traffic pinch points, such as the M1 Pacific Highway at Hexham.
In the 2024 Christmas holidays, police said heavy holiday traffic was expected across Heatherbrae, Hexham and Beresfield.
The M1 extension to Raymond Terrace, which has caused backed-up traffic on Hunter roads, was expected to be completed by 2028.
Traffic and Highway Patrol commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said wet weather could contribute to serious crashes.
"Drivers need to be aware of the risks when travelling in wet and snowing conditions, with black ice a serious hazard on our roads at this time of year," Mr Driver said.
A dusting of snow fell on the Barrington Tops this week as severe weather bombarded the east coast of Australia.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service warned driving conditions were hazardous due to the combination of wind and wet conditions.
He said drivers should take extra care, reduce their speed and focus when heading off on road trips.
"As always, don't speed, wear a seatbelt, never drive when tired, do not use a mobile phone while driving and never drive if affected by drugs or alcohol," he said.
In the 2025 January and April school holiday period, there were 1305 crashes where people were injured, including 37 fatalities.
It has been a tragic few weeks on the Hunter roads, with several serious crashes ending in fatalities.
A young boy died in a two-car crash north of Scone on June 25, while a 55-year-old woman died in a North Lambton crash, and a 28-year-old woman lost her unborn baby.
Local legend Lenny Wilton died after being hit by a car outside his Awaba home, and in a separate incident, a 38-year-old woman died in a two-car crash in Fennell Bay.
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