Drivers warned to be careful on busy roads over Christmas

South West police officers are preparing for an influx of traffic on the region’s roads during the festive season.

Up to 40,000 extra cars are expected to drive through the region.

South West Traffic officer-in-charge Sgt Craig Clarke said police would encourage people to take breaks to avoid fatigue and inattention.

Traffic would not only increase on major highways, but in the region’s towns too, he warned.

“I think the population in the South West almost doubles over the holidays,” Sgt Clarke said.

He called on people to plan their routes so they could take regular breaks and avoid becoming impatient and tired while behind the wheel.

“People get stressed, the kids start screaming in the back and they get fatigued and that’s how road rage happens,” Sgt Clarke said.

“Plan how long you’re going to be driving and what route you’re going to drive.”

South West Police Supt Peter Hatch said his ideal Christmas would be one free of fatalities.

“The responsibility rests with the person behind the wheel,” Supt Hatch said.

“Know your surroundings.”

He said one second of inattention could lead to a fatal crash.

Sgt Clarke said officers would be highly visible on the region’s roads over the holiday season.

While police could target “the fatal five” – speed, inattention, seatbelts, fatigue and drugs and alcohol – he said people also needed to take responsibility for their own safety.