Safety calls for extra vigilance on our roads this Christmas

The Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF) is urging all motorists to be vigilant on the road during the Christmas and New Year period.

It follows a 4.7 per cent increase in the number of deaths on Australian roads between December 2021 and January 2022, with 200 fatalities.

This year, more than 1000 lives have been lost on Australian roads, a 7.1 per cent increase compared to the same time last year.

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With 61 per cent of deaths occurring during the day over last year's Christmas and New Year period, the ARSF said the data suggests a rise in dangerous or unprepared driving.

"In the past, we’ve seen a higher incidence of fatal crashes occur at night when external risk factors are heightened, such as decreased vision and driving under the influence,” said ARSF founder and CEO, Russell White.

“It’s worrying to see the tables turn on this trend, and when paired with an increase in lives lost this year, suggests that Australians are becoming more complacent on our roads than previously.”

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In support of the ARSF, Subaru Australia has provided its dealers with yellow Christmas tree ornaments, with staff and customers signing "their promise to actively participate in road safety."

"We're incredibly proud to support our partner, the ARSF, to encourage all road users to think of the responsibility they hold as road users over the busy holiday season," said Subaru Australia managing director, Blair Read.

"We encourage all Australians to take the pledge to choose road safety this Christmas by taking responsibility for ourselves and others, obeying the road rules and being a safe road user."