Northern Beaches Council is calling on local drivers to take special care on the roads this Easter, as part of a combined push to drive down a soaring road toll in New South Wales.

Council is working closely with the NSW Government to keep people safe on local roads, following a doubling of the road toll over the Christmas-New Year holiday period.

In 2017, 392 people lost their lives on the road, while there were more than 12,000 serious injuries.

Mayor of Northern Beaches Michael Regan said one death; one injury is one too many.

“Statistics from the NSW Centre for Road Safety show that each year the majority of serious injuries happen in metropolitan areas.

“Northern Beaches Council is committed to help reduce these horrifying statistics.

“In our local government area alone, there were 27 fatal crashes between 2012 and 2016, and 644 crashes involving serious injury.

“The experts tell us that the main behavioural factors contributing to these deaths and injuries are:

-  Speeding – 42 per cent
-  Illicit drugs use – 19 per cent
-  Tired drivers and riders – 18 per cent
-  Drink-driving – 15 per cent, and
-  Seatbelt non-usage – 12 per cent.

“A moment’s distraction, a one-off case of speeding, fatigue or not realising you’re over the limit could result in a lifetime of regrets – or no life at all.

“Easter is about spending time with our loved ones, so let’s make sure we arrive safely.” Mayor Regan said.