Drivers, boaters urged to take care this long weekend

Motorists on the South Coast are being warned to drive with care this June Long weekend.

NSW Police are rolling out their state-wide road safety operation called “King’s Birthday 2023” which started at 12.01am today (Friday 9 June) and will run until 11:59pm on Monday (June 12).

Double demerits will apply during that time for speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt, and motorcycle helmet offences.

This weekend also marks the official start of the snow/ski season, with NSW Police to address the media today, to launch the “2023 Operation Snow Safe” campaign, urging those headed to the snow to take extra care on the roads on the slopes this season.

Transport for NSW Executive Director Customer Coordination Roger Weeks said people travelling to regional NSW are reminded snow is not the only winter hazard, with frost and fog also bringing challenging road conditions to many inland areas.

“We’re expecting rain in the lead up to the long weekend, and as the temperature drops we’ll likely see icy and slippery roads, particularly during the early morning,” Mr Weeks said.

“There have been 276 crashes on alpine roads over the last five snow seasons, sadly resulting in eight fatalities. We want everyone to arrive at their destination safely, so drive to the conditions and take extra care.

“Snow and black ice are serious hazards, so reduce your speed, limit braking, and keep extra distance between your vehicle and the one in front.

“The main type of crash we see during the snow season are vehicles running off the road on corners, so remember to take it slow, always carry chains, and use them when necessary.

“If you aren’t confident driving in alpine conditions, then please don’t. Our Snowy Mountains bus service will be operating every day during the snow season providing a simple, safe, and stress-free alternative option.

“Last year the service connected 15,000 people in Jindabyne with resorts at Perisher and Thredbo, and it has been expanded this year to meet growing demand.”

“Please make sure you drive to road conditions, stick to the speed limit, give yourself plenty of travel time and never drive if you’re affected by drugs or alcohol.

Plan your trip by downloading the Live Traffic NSW app, visiting livetraffic.com or calling 132 701, or using the TfNSW journey planning tool myjourneynsw.info.

The Snowy Mountains bus service trial will run seven days a week from 10 June to 1 October. For more information and to book tickets visit www.snowymountainsbus.com.au

Meanwhile boaters in the South East are also being reminded to take care this June long weekend.

Marine Rescue volunteers across NSW are rescue ready to help if required from Ulladulla to Eden.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner, Alex Barrell, is asking all boaters to check weather conditions and to be vigilant when out and about on the state’s waterways over the coming days.

“It is important at Marine Rescue that we are out there promoting safe boating behaviours right across the NSW coastline and inland waterways.

“Rescues are one thing but if we can stop those happening before people get out on the water and get into difficulty that is a great thing for Marine Rescue and boating in NSW,” Commissioner Barrell said.

“Simple checks of making sure that your boat is in good working order before you leave the boat ramp.

“Checking that you have the right safety equipment and the right amount of fuel for your voyage can prevent a good day on the water turning into a bad day on the water,” he said.

Over the past 12 months, Marine Rescue NSW has seen positive growth in boaters using its lifesaving Log On and Log Off service.

“One simple step that any boater can take is to Log On with Marine Rescue, either over VHF marine channel 16 or via the free Marine Rescue app.

“It is a simple step and it means that if you don’t return as planned Marine Rescue will start looking for you,” Commissioner Barrell said.

Images: NSW Police, Marine Rescue NSW