Motorists on the Kings Highway between Canberra and the coast are urged to drive responsibly these summer holidays – obey the speed limits, take breaks at rest-stops to avoid fatigue, and be patient during heavy traffic.

“No-one wants to cause a serious accident, injury, or fatality that prevents families coming together this Christmas,” said Chris Steel, ACT Minister for Transport.

The Kings Highway (apostrophe banned by the Geographical Names Board in the 1960s) is Canberra’s main route to the south coast. It is also a dangerous road; at least three people are killed each year on it, while police have issued 1,000 fines over the last year.

Speed is the major cause of fatalities on the highway, and Mr Steel expects the risk to be greater this year. In summer holidays, 7,000 people use the highway every day – and that number is expected to increase this year as Canberrans holiday close to home.

“Everyone needs a break, but with so many motorists on the road … it’s really important that drivers are particularly vigilant with safety – their own safety, and that of others – while they’re driving down to the south coast,” Mr Steel said.

Drivers should slow down, and be patient with the expected congestion on the road. Maintain the speed limit, and leave a safe distance with the vehicle in front; this gives you more time to react to unexpected circumstances. (In other words, don’t be the typical Canberra driver – don’t tailgate, and don’t drive a dozen km over the speed limit.)

“If you don’t have to overtake the car in front of you, then don’t,” Mr Steel said.

If you are towing a heavy load like a caravan, do not speed up when you come to overtaking lanes, but let the traffic behind get past you.

Manage your fatigue by halting at a rest-stop along the highway. “Stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and take a break,” Mr Steel said.

Do not drive if you are impaired in any way.

Make sure your vehicle is registered, roadworthy, and properly licensed.

ACT and NSW police will patrol the full length of the Kings Highway. They do not want to deliver bad news these holidays.

“When we attend serious collisions,” said Detective Acting Inspector Paul Hutcheson, officer in charge of ACT road policing, “everyone involved who caused a collision is obviously very sorry, they’re very apologetic for the damage they’ve caused to other people’s lives, but it’s too late then.”