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Australians urged to stay safe this long weekend

NSW police have reminded people to stay safe this Australia Day long weekend.

Police expect hundreds of thousands of people to celebrate our national day at events all over the state, and have announced that thousands of additional officers will be on duty to ensure that the day is safe for everyone.

“We are expecting significant crowds at numerous locations including Burwood and Henley Parks as well as numerous other parks along our waterways and we want everyone to have a good time but not at the expense of other people’s safety,” said acting deputy commissioner Michael Fuller in a statement released yesterday (January 23).

“Once again, police will be focusing on alcohol-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour, and we encourage everyone to look out for themselves and their mates who might be intoxicated and vulnerable.”

Those planning to go out are advised to pace themselves, eat enough, consume plenty of water and not to drive if drinking.

“By acting responsibly, you might save a life – and it might be yours,” said Mr Fuller.

Road users have also been urged to exercise extra caution during the weekend, with increased traffic levels expected.

According to new road injury statistics for Victoria, 939 people were injured on the state’s roads in 2012, up from 856 in 2011.

By contrast, deaths due to road accidents numbered 279 in the state last year, down from 287 the previous year.

Assistant treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips said that though the number of fatal car accidents in Victoria had declined dramatically since the 1970s, hundreds were still suffering catastrophic injuries as a result of road accidents.

“These injuries represent the hidden road toll and they are life changing, not just for the person injured, but also for their loved ones,” said Mr Rich-Phillips in a statement released today (January 24).

“We are asking motorists to be extra careful, especially if travelling over the Australia Day long weekend.”

Those who sustain injuries as a result of a road accident in NSW may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, economic loss, legal costs and more.

Many may not be aware that drivers aren’t the only one who can make such a claim, but also passengers, cyclists and pedestrians crossing the road.

A car accident lawyer can examine your case and use their specialist knowledge of the NSW motor accident compensation scheme to determine whether you might be successful in making a claim.

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Meet the diverse and dynamic team of compensation lawyers and supporting staff that have made this all happen below. Our multi-lingual team can discuss your claims in Arabic, Assyrian, Turkish, Greek, Italian, French, Serbian, Croatian, Armenian, Mandarin, Hindi, Punjabi or Malayalam.

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