Holiday traffic collisions

by TYLER FARDELL and MATT JOHNSTON

The Hunter Westpac rescue helicopter has reportedly airlifted two patients to John Hunter Hospital, following this morning's crash along the Pacific Highway at Herons Creek.
A 9-year-old boy was trapped in one of the vehicles but has since been freed by emergency crews. He and the 37-year-old woman also being airlifted are both in stable, non-life-threatening conditions.

Meanwhile, there's been another accident at 12 Mile Creek along the Pacific Highway, one kilometre north of Bucketts Way. Southbound motorists are using a small access road parallel to the highway to get around the collision and one northbound lane is closed.

Currently, there are no further details. For traffic updates visit https://www.livetraffic.com/

Photo - Surf Lifesaving SA

Motorists advised to be safe in Wild Weather

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI

With four deaths on Hunter roads in the last 48 hours, motorists are being urged to take greater care when driving especially in the wet weather.

Forecasts for extreme wind and rain this weekend are a concern for Chief Inspector, Bruce McGreggor who says people need to be vigilant and stay safe on the roads.

"I'd just like people to drive to the conditions," he said.

"At the moment with the rain that's falling and the gloomy skies, certainly have your headlines on, reduce your speed to what you're comfortable with where you can stop quickly. Be courteous to other road users. Don't take unnecessary risks."

He says recent accidents on the road are very concerning.

"We have these unfortunate accidents that have been occurring where people are driving onto the wrong side of the road and colliding head on with other vehicles," he said.

"It appears that inattention is a factor there and people aren't driving with due space between vehicles to slow when required."

According to the Chief Inspector, the Hunter is leading the state in road fatalities for 2017.

"At the moment in northern region, we've had 24 deaths on the roads so far this year and that's far too many. We want to reduce it and I'm asking for assistance from the motoring public."

Motorists are advised to exercise more caution on the roads. Image: [https://madovermarketing.com/2016/07/31/chevrolet-is-creating-awareness-around-road-safety-in-the-most-innovative-way-ever-2/]

Calls for more action on Rutley's Road following another fatality

BY TYLER FARDELL

Following the latest fatality along Rutley's road in Mannering Park, Swansea MP Yasmin Catley has called for more to be done to improve safety.

A 37 year old Wyee Point man became the third fatality in eight months on the dangerous road after his four-wheel drive collided with a truck.

It is also the ninth life lost on the road in as many years.

The road stretches for nine kilometres from Doyalson to Wyee and is split between Lake Macquarie City Council and Wyong Shire Council.

Both council's have spent millions of dollars on improving safety along the road, by Ms Catley says it's not working.

"There has been a large sum of money thrown at that road in the last couple of years. Clearly there needs to be more done there's no doubt about that".

Yasmin Catley