Easter, just like Christmas, is one of the worst times on our roads for accidents. Many choose to drive long distances to go camping or visit family - so this is an important time to heed long weekend road safety warnings.
Driver fatigue and driver distraction; using mobile phones or other hand held devices, are a dangerous combination. Stop for regular breaks, rehydrate, alternate the designated driver if possible and again put that mobile phone away.
This year RACS is also urging road safety awareness, caution and restraint in regard to excessive speed and other road-related dangers such as drink driving.
RACS Trauma Committee Chair Dr John Crozier encourages everyone to consider safe and good choices before driving and not to underestimate the danger of drinking and driving, especially over the holiday break when alcohol is ever present.
"Take more caution when deciding whether you are capable of driving - make sure you know whether you are over the legal limit, and if in doubt, don't get behind the wheel", he said.
Easter is a time for spending time together with friends and family. The only death that should be reflected upon is the one that is the basis for the holiday.
Eleven deaths were recorded in Australia over the Easter break in 2017, and two fatal crashes resulting in two deaths were recorded for the same period in New Zealand.
"We need to work together to ensure we reduce these unnecessary road statistics," Dr Crozier said.