Wollongong residents spend just 25 hours a year in congestion? Tell that to northern suburbs residents. Photo: NSW Transport.
Summer in the Illawarra is a time of sun, sand, surf and skyrocketing danger on the roads.
Drinking, driver fatigue, speeding and distraction remain obvious killers on the road, with double demerits in force from Friday 20 December to 1 January 2025. Get caught speeding, using a mobile phone illegally, riding without a helmet, not wearing or incorrectly wearing a seatbelt or carrying passengers not wearing or incorrectly wearing a seatbelt or restraint during double demerit periods, and you’ll cop double the points.
The stakes are arguably much higher than points, though — especially when last December saw road deaths spike by nearly 16 per cent across Australia compared to the previous five years.
In Wollongong, the story is even more sobering: the Christmas and new year period consistently tops the crash charts, with locals making up the bulk of incidents.
Of the 2355 crashes recorded in the five years since 2019, more than 6 per cent involved alcohol, 19 per cent involved speeding and 8 per cent fatigue (not mutually exclusive of each other).
Motorists residing in Wollongong were involved in 64 per cent 0f the crashes occurring on the local roads, specifically 50 km/h and 60 km/h speed zones.
Notably, 25 per cent of all crashes in the LGA involved light trucks: a reminder to delivery drivers not to rush to their destinations, despite the added burden at this time of year.
But it’s a warning that goes for anyone, according to Deputy Lord Mayor of Wollongong Linda Campbell.
“Better late than never,” she says.
As the region braces for the usual summer influx of tourists to our beautiful coastal towns – including this year’s NSW Top Tourism Town Award winner Kiama, which can be plagued by gridlock in summer – Cr Campbell reminds motorists that in the hierarchy of concerns, getting to your destinations safely is more important than on time, and urges extra care for visitors to the region.
“We really have to remind ourselves that we share the roads. At this time of year there will be more traffic, and more visitors who will not be familiar with our roads. There will be crowds at beaches and parks, and more children around on school holidays. Let’s have a little extra patience, and more tolerance,” she says.
“Remember you want to get to your destination safely; if that means you take a few extra minutes to get there, just take them. Stay alert and drive sober.”
As the roads start to fill up, avid cyclists and Wollongong City Councillor Jess Whittaker hopes motorists in particular will take extra care around active transport users.
“A small number of drivers have a poor attitude towards cyclists, pedestrians and people on e-scooters. We need to work on shifting that, so that everyone feels welcome and free to use our roads and crossing and has a place in our city,” she says.
She added that residents could play a vital role in easing road congestion by considering active and/or public transport options wherever possible, making a valuable contribution to public safety.
“I would love to see more people looking for opportunities to walk, cycle, train and bus, especially when going to beaches and those short trips are a great way to get more exercise and reduce congestion. There are so many ways to leave the car at home and still have a fun outing,” she says.
“We’re blessed with a free Gong Shuttle Bus, e-scooters and pedestrian pathways to some really beautiful places.
“Along our coast it gets busy in summer, so if you are on a bike, be aware of your speed, use your bell and be courteous – don’t be that person who whizzes up behind unsuspecting people and giving them a fright.
“If we can get along and share our beautiful spaces in a nice way, we can all have a great summer.”
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