New figures from Transport NSW have shown there has been an increase in accidents caused by or attributed to these three areas. 

Leeton Shire Council road safety officer Stephanie Puntoriero wasn’t sure when the message would get through to motorists. 

In 2016, there were 26 crashes reported to police in the shire and 76 per cent of these resulted in injuries to the vehicle occupants or riders.

However, in some good news 2016 was the second year in a row that a life hasn’t been lost on the shire’s roads.

“In 2016 we observed a high level of fatigue-related crashes, so drivers need to be mindful of not driving when tired, under the influence of alcohol or medication,” Mrs Puntoriero said. 

“We have also seen changes relating to when the crashes are happening.

“The most prevalent times being Monday to Wednesday from 3pm to 9pm.

“Previously, crashes in the shire occurred at weekends during the evening and early morning.”

According to the data, the number of crashes in the 17 to 25 year old group remains steady.

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Thirty per cent of people involved in a crash are in this age bracket, while 20 per cent of drivers who crashed on shire roads last year were registered as P-platers.

Speed is still a major behavioural factor in crashes across Leeton shire, with 57 per cent of crashes occurring on a 100km/h road.

“Of note is the increase in the number of alcohol-related crashes,” Mrs Puntoriero said.

“Crashes involving alcohol are the most common behavioural crash type with 40 per cent of crashes involving alcohol.

“There is no excuse for this type of behaviour. When people ignore or disregard road safety rules, they put their lives and the lives of others at risk.”

Drivers have been urged not to be complacent when behind the wheel. “Road safety is not something to be taken for granted and every local person killed or injured on our roads is a heavy price to pay for our community,” Mrs Puntoriero said.

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