Punt on the track, not on the road

Have a punt on the track not on the road. That’s the message from Motor Accident Commission (MAC) to drivers travelling over the Adelaide Cup long weekend.

MAC General Manager Corporate Affairs, Ben Tuffnell, said many people heading away may take unnecessary risks because they are anxious to arrive at their destination.

"With a fine weather forecast and so many great events this weekend we know there will be people out and about,” Mr Tuffnell said. 

“It is all too easy, but potentially fatal, to be in a rush, drive when too tired, or find your mind wandering and make mistakes.  

“Country roads need safer drivers. More than 70 per cent of deaths on the State's roads this year have been in the country.

“Male drivers continue to be worryingly represented in road trauma statistics. All of the deaths this year have been males.

“Despite this year's road toll tracking below the tally at the same time last year (17 compared to 23), all drivers could not afford to relax.

 “Exceeding the speed limit, driver inattention, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt can also all lead to serious injuries or deaths.

 “With driver fatigue also playing a part in many crashes on country roads, we encourage those who are heading away to ensure they take adequate breaks on long trips.

“Unlike Black Caviar who can run all day, we don’t have the same staying power and need to make sure we rest every 2 hours when behind the wheel.”

 “Safe driving should always be top of the mind, but we are urging everyone to take extra precaution over the course of the long weekend.

“MAC’s ‘Prevent Fatigue, Rest Every Two Hours’ campaign gives drivers a practical instruction to follow, and targets those people who only choose to take a break if they are tired enough.

“The campaign aims to encourage people to avoid the symptoms and on-set of fatigue by resting every two hours – once you’re tired, it’s too late. Like drink-driving and creeping over the speeding limit, driving when you are tired is a matter of choice.

Planning your 15 minute rest break every two hours is the key to avoiding fatigue and enjoying the drive. If you're on the road, take a break. You won't save time but you might save your life.

"Getting to your destination later is better than never getting there at all. With the Adelaide Cup this long weekend, leave the ‘punting’ to the track – not the road,” Mr Tuffnell said.

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