NSW Police and Transport for NSW will be showcasing the importance of rural road safety at the Henty field days this September. Photo: Supplied.
Transport for NSW will partner with NSW Police at the Henty Machinery Field Days to demonstrate the importance of car safety on rural roads.
The Henty field days is the largest agribusiness event in Australia and is expected to draw over 55,000 visitors from 17 to 19 September. The event falls during Rural Road Safety Month.
During the field days, Transport for NSW will be demonstrating the damage that crashes at 60 km/h and 100 km/h can cause, while NSW Police will allow onlookers to see inside a highway patrol car and a mobile drug test van.
Voluntary breath tests will be available at the Aggy Races in Wagga Wagga on 14 September.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said she encouraged locals to do their part to keep their friends and loved ones safe this Rural Road Safety Month.
“Country residents make up about one-third of NSW’s population, however nearly two-thirds of deaths occurred on rural and regional roads in 2023,” she said.
“Aboriginal people are also twice as likely to be killed on NSW roads as non-Aboriginal people and are four times more likely to be involved in crashes on regional roads, so I welcome the NRMA campaign featuring respected elders with a strong message for regional communities.
“The long distances often travelled on rural roads mean there really is no room for complacency when you get behind the wheel.
“Take regular breaks, don’t drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, obey speed limits, follow the advisory signs, be alert to wildlife and drive to the conditions, and always wear a seatbelt.
“And, whether you’re a local or a visitor, please take extra care while driving through rural or regional areas. By making safer choices, we can help everyone get home safe.”
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said too many people had lost their lives on our roads this year, forever changing the lives of the loved ones and communities they left behind.
“We all want everyone to arrive home safely – that’s why police enforce the road rules, but there’s only so much our officers can do. Everyone has a responsibility every time they get behind the wheel – a responsibility to themselves, their passengers and other road users.
“Let’s make sure that we all watch our own and each other’s behaviour, follow the speed limit, drive to the conditions, wear a seatbelt and don’t drive distracted or while impaired by drugs and alcohol.”
Rural Road Safety Month runs through the duration of the month of September.
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