Motorists are advised to expect traffic jams at known pinch points and plan ahead to dodge the worst of it. Photo: Transport for NSW.
Following a horror year on Illawarra roads this year, families gearing up the hit the highways these summer holidays are advised to plan ahead to avoid the worst of the traffic and stay safe.
More than 300 people have died on NSW roads so far this year, an increase of over eight per cent compared to the same time last year.
Close to 70 per cent of those fatalities occurred on rural and regional roads.
Data shows last year Kiama had two fatalities — its first in five years — while Shellharbour had its highest number since 2020 (three) and Wollongong’s casualties surged 400 per cent on the previous year, jumping from three to 15.
Wollongong also ranked 11th in LGAs with the most crashes in the five-year period from 2020 to 2024.
Transport for NSW data shows speeding remains the leading cause of fatal crashes on country roads, followed by fatigue and illegal alcohol. In crashes by type, metropolitan areas outpaced country roads in all categories bar two – “Off Path or Out of Control” on both straight and curving roads.
Crash statistics show male road fatalities out number female by more than double, sometimes triple.
As traffic surges toward beaches and regional holiday spots, the NSW Government is urging all road users to do their part in stopping the devastating rise in fatalities.
Transport for NSW anticipates traffic volumes and delays at known pinch points in Sydney and regional areas.
Coming out of the Illawarra, this includes:
- Princes Highway (Nowra to Ulladulla)
- Hume Highway (Pheasants Nest)
- Great Western Highway (Blue Mountains)
- M1 Pacific Motorway (Calga to Wahroonga)
Significant delays may occur at these locations, increasing the risk of incidents relating to driver frustration, fatigue and hazards caused by traffic queuing in high-speed zones.
Transport for NSW will have traffic management initiatives in place at the major known pinch points, but travellers should still be prepared to experience delays.
Before setting off, drivers are advised to set up their trip to receive real-time updates with Live Traffic NSW on road conditions and possible delays.
Double demerits for speeding, motorcycle helmet, seatbelt and mobile phone offences will be in place from Wednesday 24 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026, and again from 24 to 26 January 2026 for the Australia Day long weekend.
For help with journey planning visit NSW Government.
