Road trauma patients keep emergency staff busy over festive season

Director of trauma services at The Alfred, Prof Mark Fitzgerald, is appealing to road users to be extra attentive during the summer holiday period.

“As many Victorians continue to enjoy a break from work and school it’s not a time to become complacent on our roads.

“People are travelling more this time of year. A lot of the accidents we see now are because drivers might be on unfamiliar roads, there’s more traffic in some areas and people are tired,” Prof Fitzgerald said.

Christmas Day was the busiest for road accident-related cases, with 10 people brought to Australia’s busiest trauma centre, including two car drivers, four passengers, one motorcycle rider and a pedestrian.

In total more than 50 people required care following a road accident between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day – 33 had serious injuries.

“Now is the time to be alert to what you and others are doing while driving, riding, cycling and walking,” Prof Fitzgerald said.

Professor Fitzgerald is encouraging road users to slow down and be more courteous to those they share the road with.

“It’s all about the energy on impact: just a small increase in speed significantly increases the damage caused if you hit someone or something.

“Enjoy the travel and take it easy. On longer drives be prepared to stop, and have a nap, or share the driving with someone else if you can.  It can make a big difference to arriving at your destination safely and feeling great,” Prof Fitzgerald said.