Rural road safety is as important now as it has ever been.

Drivers and riders must be alert for unpredictable weather patterns, bush fire threats, wandering animals and the ever-increasing use of electronic devices.

For more than 20 years I have worked in and around rural NSW.

I have witnessed too many crashes: some freakish, many horrific, and some amazingly lucky.

I was once asked by primary school students if I had ever saved someone’s life and I answered quite smartly that I had.

I gave someone a ticket for not wearing his seat belt.

Victoria is well known for shock and awe tactics in their advertising campaigns.

One such slogan being “Country Roads Kill Country Kids”. 

It’s a hard slogan to forget.

I recently received information about a young bloke’s manner of driving.

While it wasn’t illegal now, it did sound like it was developing into something.

A short conversation with him in the form of a warning with a splattering of consequences was provided.

I can only hope it works.

Last month saw changes to mobile phone penalties with an increase to 5 demerit points and the reinforcement that mobile phones are not being used while driving for texting, emails, social media, taking photos or video.

The ever-increasing demand on electronic devices are a dangerous distraction to road users.

Drive to the conditions, drive safely for you, your passengers and other road users.

The Annual “000” Cricket Challenge at Bradman Oval in Bowral is heating up with the event being held on Sunday October 21.

A number of activities are planned with Emergency Service vehicles in attendance.

Come along to the oval to show your support and who knows, you may even get to see some quality cricket … well, come along anyway!