South Coast Highway Patrol’s Senior Sergeant Andrew Palmowski said rain and fatigue increased the holiday risk.

“We expect a large influx of tourist activity through this area and, statistically, it becomes problematic,” he said.

Sgt Palmowski said drivers could do simple things to keep themselves and others safer.

“Drive to the conditions and slow down in the rain,” Sgt Palmowski said.

“Take regular breaks, find out where the driver reviver sites are and get out and stretch your legs.”

He said drivers should be well rested before starting out.

“If you are yawning and showing lack of concentration, pull over and take a break,” he said.

He said using “care, common sense and courtesy” also applied to residents.

“Every police officer wants to make sure people get to their location safely, even if they are local drivers,” he said.

“Have that little bit of patience and tolerance. 

“It is a beautiful area and we need to share the roads.

“With a bit of care, common sense and courtesy, you would find a reduction in the road rage, the silly things, the foolish overtaking.”

Sgt Palmowski urged caution and consideration when overtaking vehicles towing caravans and boats.

He also said pedestrians and cyclists had a responsibility to be careful.

Sgt Palmowski also warned against “morning-after” drink-driving offences, as drivers continued to be picked up in random breath tests.

“People wake up the next morning, thinking they have slept it off,” Sgt Palmowski said.

“When in doubt, don’t drive. 

“We have had too many people stopped the morning after and they have still given (high) readings on the side of the road.”