AMA Urges Drivers and Pedestrians To Take Extra Care

Dr Haikerwal said while the holiday season brings joy to lots of people as families and friends catch up, it can also be the source of tragedy.

Australian Automobile Association figures show 1596 people were killed on Australian roads last year and over 22 000 people were seriously injured. Many of these people were children and young people, especially young men.

"Fatigue can overwhelm a driver in moments. Rest every two hours and try to share the driving, Dr Haikerwal said.

"Don't forget to 'click, clack front and back' and make sure child restraints are fitted properly.

"When everyone's in such a rush it's important to slow down. Speed is a factor in one in five serious accidents and in 40 per cent of fatal crashes. As they say about arriving: its better late than never!

"Avoid distractions. Don't try to sort out disputes between passengers while driving, and pull over to use the mobile phone. Better still turn it off and enjoy the journey more.," Dr Haikerwal said.

"Younger drivers are more inclined than older drivers to retrieve and send text messages while driving. When text messaging, drivers spend up to 400 per cent more time with their eyes off the road," Dr Haikerwal said.

Dr Haikerwal urged parents and carers not to leave children unattended in the car in the summer heat.

"Don't leave them in the car, take them with you. Children dehydrate much more quickly than adults. Leaving the kids in the heat in the car can have tragic outcomes." Dr Haikerwal said.

"On a summer's day, just 5 minutes can turn the inside of a parked car into an oven. In those first few minutes the temperature inside the car can become 20-30 degrees celsius hotter than the outside temperature, meaning temperatures could be as hot as 70 degrees celsius inside the vehicle.

Dr Haikerwal also encouraged parents to be especially diligent in driveways where kids will want to play with their new gifts from Santa..

"Every week a child, often a toddler, is run over in a driveway," Dr Haikerwal said.

"Always supervise children when a vehicle is being moved and discourage them from playing in the driveway at any time. Where possible driveways should be fenced off from play areas.

Dr Haikerwal also urged pedestrians to take care.

"Approximately one in five road deaths in NSW is a pedestrian and intoxicated pedestrians account for a quarter of pedestrian fatalities.

"It's so important to stop and think and take the necessary care and prevent the happy, festive season of joy and goodwill turning into a nightmare," Dr Haikerwal said.

For further comment contact Dr Haikerwal.

29 December 2005

CONTACT: Dr Mukesh Haikerwal 0407 599 332, Judith Tokley 0408 824 306