More than a dozen people lost their lives on NSW roads last festive season and, each year, around 400 people are involved in fatal road accidents across the state.

Serious car accidents are devastating events. Those lucky enough to escape with their lives, often carry serious injuries as a permanent reminder. In NSW, if a passenger contributes to their injuries – by not wearing a seatbelt or by getting in the car with someone they knew, or should have known, had been drinking – compensation payments can be significantly reduced.

Reduced payments can impact a person’s ability to support their family if they can’t work, or to access specialist rehabilitation services.

Sadly, as a lawyer who specialises in this area, I see people whose lives have been severely affected by road trauma over the festive season. By the time I see them nothing can be done to wind back the clock. Please, I urge your readers to take care these holidays.

Genevieve Henderson, Port Macquarie