Road users should expect the unexpected on rural roads this Christmas and stay safe according to the Sturt Highway Taskforce.
Taskforce Chair and Murrumbidgee Mayor Ruth McRae OAM said drivers travelling through regional and remote areas must stay alert and plan ahead.
“Regional roads can change in a moment – a kangaroo on the verge, a patch of loose gravel, or a fire front moving across the highway,” Cr McRae said. “Check conditions before you travel and never drive into danger.”
The taskforce’s advice includes:
- Watch for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Check road conditions and closures before leaving.
- Never drive through smoke, fire-affected or flood-affected areas.
- Slow down in changing weather or on unsealed roads.
Wentworth Shire Council Mayor Daniel Linklater said “simple preparation can make a significant difference when travelling long distances. Being ready for the unexpected is essential on rural roads. Checking your vehicle, planning rest stops, and staying alert to changing conditions can prevent a tragedy and ensure everyone arrives home safely,” he said.
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.
Bushfires and other hazards can change traffic conditions without warning – stay alert and expect the unexpected on rural roads this summer.
