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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The Advertiser
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One in five crashes: why drivers are urged to take care in school holidays
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. 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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What's a good tour for two or three weeks in Japan?
My wife and I are considering a trip to Japan. Our interests are mainly textiles and gardens. Any suggestions of suitable tours, perhaps of two-three weeks' duration? R. Hurcum, Tamworth, NSW Tanpopo Journeys operates a small number of textile trips to Japan each year and their Textiles and Traditional Arts of Japan tour visits several cities famous for their temple gardens. Australia-based tour operator Internationally Different operates a 14-day craft-based tour starting and finishing in Osaka. The tour is hosted by Valerie Kirk, a tapestry weaver and former senior lecturer and head of textiles at the Australian National University. ASA Cultural Tours has a 15-day 'Cherry blossom and the art of the Japanese Garden' tour led by Jim Fogarty, a landscape designer and gardening media personality with a specialist interest in Japanese gardens. My partner and I are spending six days in Ravenna, Italy, and want to take day trips to nearby towns. We have spent time in Bologna previously. We are particularly interested in art, history, architecture and archaeology. We are also taking our family to Rome for a week including our 11 and eight-year-old grandchildren, any suggestions for kid-friendly activities? G. Wilson, Northcote, Vic Expect to spend at least two days exploring Ravenna, it's a world-class wonder, packed with early Christian and Byzantine churches that preserve a superb legacy of mosaics dating back to the fifth century AD. Its UNESCO monuments bear witness to the greatness of Ravenna from the time when this was the capital of the Western Roman Empire. Be sure to include Ca De Ven ('house of wine'), a beautiful restaurant at the heart of the old city, famous for its Romagna cuisine in a cavernous, cathedral-like medieval wine store. Just a short distance away, Faenza is home to the International Museum of Ceramics with a superb collection of works from all over Italy and beyond. Rimini is another worthwhile day trip, famous for its Tiberius Bridge and the Arch of Augustus as well as its grandiose cathedral, the Tempio Malatestiano, designed by Alberti, with frescoes by Piero della Francesca. In Rome, you might take your grandchildren to the Gladiator School operated by the Gruppo Storico Romano, where they'll see Roman swordplay in action and 'train' as gladiators in a safe environment. The vast grounds of Villa Borghese are a great place for them to let off some steam while the Explora Children's Museum is a hands-on discovery museum full of electronic and scientific wizardry. They might also try a gelato-making workshop or a pasta- making session. We're spending a few weeks in Tanzania next year, any recommendations on less-visited game parks as well as locally based operators who offer budget trips? How long should we spend in Dar es Salaam and what are the attractions? R. Saltman, Mosman, NSW Ruaha National Park in central Tanzania is one of the largest in the country, but despite its size it gets relatively few visitors. Together with neighbouring Kizigio and Rungwa River Game Reserves, Ruaha forms one of East Africa's largest nature conservancies. Ruaha's wildlife population includes over 10,000 elephant, 30,000 buffalo, 20,000 zebra as well as lions and leopards and more than 400 bird species.
The Age
18 hours ago
- The Age
What's a good tour for two or three weeks in Japan?
My wife and I are considering a trip to Japan. Our interests are mainly textiles and gardens. Any suggestions of suitable tours, perhaps of two-three weeks' duration? R. Hurcum, Tamworth, NSW Tanpopo Journeys operates a small number of textile trips to Japan each year and their Textiles and Traditional Arts of Japan tour visits several cities famous for their temple gardens. Australia-based tour operator Internationally Different operates a 14-day craft-based tour starting and finishing in Osaka. The tour is hosted by Valerie Kirk, a tapestry weaver and former senior lecturer and head of textiles at the Australian National University. ASA Cultural Tours has a 15-day 'Cherry blossom and the art of the Japanese Garden' tour led by Jim Fogarty, a landscape designer and gardening media personality with a specialist interest in Japanese gardens. My partner and I are spending six days in Ravenna, Italy, and want to take day trips to nearby towns. We have spent time in Bologna previously. We are particularly interested in art, history, architecture and archaeology. We are also taking our family to Rome for a week including our 11 and eight-year-old grandchildren, any suggestions for kid-friendly activities? G. Wilson, Northcote, Vic Expect to spend at least two days exploring Ravenna, it's a world-class wonder, packed with early Christian and Byzantine churches that preserve a superb legacy of mosaics dating back to the fifth century AD. Its UNESCO monuments bear witness to the greatness of Ravenna from the time when this was the capital of the Western Roman Empire. Be sure to include Ca De Ven ('house of wine'), a beautiful restaurant at the heart of the old city, famous for its Romagna cuisine in a cavernous, cathedral-like medieval wine store. Just a short distance away, Faenza is home to the International Museum of Ceramics with a superb collection of works from all over Italy and beyond. Rimini is another worthwhile day trip, famous for its Tiberius Bridge and the Arch of Augustus as well as its grandiose cathedral, the Tempio Malatestiano, designed by Alberti, with frescoes by Piero della Francesca. In Rome, you might take your grandchildren to the Gladiator School operated by the Gruppo Storico Romano, where they'll see Roman swordplay in action and 'train' as gladiators in a safe environment. The vast grounds of Villa Borghese are a great place for them to let off some steam while the Explora Children's Museum is a hands-on discovery museum full of electronic and scientific wizardry. They might also try a gelato-making workshop or a pasta- making session. We're spending a few weeks in Tanzania next year, any recommendations on less-visited game parks as well as locally based operators who offer budget trips? How long should we spend in Dar es Salaam and what are the attractions? R. Saltman, Mosman, NSW Ruaha National Park in central Tanzania is one of the largest in the country, but despite its size it gets relatively few visitors. Together with neighbouring Kizigio and Rungwa River Game Reserves, Ruaha forms one of East Africa's largest nature conservancies. Ruaha's wildlife population includes over 10,000 elephant, 30,000 buffalo, 20,000 zebra as well as lions and leopards and more than 400 bird species.
