If you drink or use, don’t drive
There is no safe level of alcohol or drugs when getting behind the wheel, according to the Sturt Highway Taskforce as part of its ‘Arrive safe this Christmas’ campaign.
Taskforce chair and Murrumbidgee Mayor Ruth McRae OAM said whether it’s a work party or a family barbecue, there’s no excuse for driving under the influence.
“Plan your trip home – book a taxi, use a designated driver or stay the night this holiday season,” she said.
Between 2020 and 2024, alcohol was involved in an average of nearly 30% of crashes on country roads where road users were killed or sustained serious injuries.
Wentworth Shire Council Mayor Daniel Linklater said “the risks are simply not worth it. Police will be highly visible right across the region throughout the Christmas and New Year period. Driving under the influence is never worth the consequences – to your licence, your safety, or another person’s life. Make a plan to get home safely before you start drinking,” he said.
Motorists are reminded that random breath and drug testing operate year round across NSW, with double demerits in force for the festive season.
Tips for a safe celebration:
- Nominate a designated driver before drinking.
- Don’t drive the morning after – alcohol and drugs can stay in your system for many hours.
- Look out for mates and help them make the right choice.
The Sturt Highway Taskforce includes the councils of Wagga Wagga, Narrandera, Leeton, Hay, Murray River, Balranald, Wentworth and Murrumbidgee. The group advocates for investment in safety, infrastructure and freight efficiency along the 605-kilometre highway, which connects Tarcutta in NSW to Adelaide via Victoria and South Australia.
Source:
Transport for NSW, “Interactive Crash Statistics – Crashes by type and region, accessed 31 October 2025, https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/statistics/interactive-crash-statistics/road-users-by-behavioural-factors-crashes
