Phil Johnson, father of Canberra jockey Samara Johnson, said the tragedy was “still a struggle for all of us”.

The jockey, 25, was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Gundagai Road at Eurongilly on December 3, 2017.

She was travelling with her partner, 54-year-old Garry Kirkup at the wheel, after visiting her family in Coolamon when the car left the road and hit a tree head-on.

Mr Johnson, who lived in the Riverina with his wife, Robyn, for five years before moving to Darwin only five weeks ago, said motorists “can’t afford to be even complacent – even slightly”.

“People just have to stop when they’re tired,” he said.

“Plan your trips and stop where it’s safe.

“Samara and Garry couldn’t have been more prepared than they were that day,” Mr Johnson said.

“They didn’t do anything exhaustive, they just went into Ganmain to do some shopping and there was nothing wrong with the car.”

Mr Johnson said that while the initial days after the accident “were just a blur”, the devastation on the family and friends was compounded by not knowing the cause of the crash.

“There’s just been no closure about why it happened so it’s been a lingering factor,” he said.

“Their numbers were up and that’s probably the only way you can explain it.”

Mr Johnson said his daughter was remembered for her outlook on life.

“She always wanted to improve herself and that’s why you wanted to be around her,” he said.

Mr Johnson’s calls for more vigilance come as the Riverina Police District prepares for traffic operations this Christmas.

Wagga police senior sergeant Daryl Thomas said all highway patrol vehicles would be out in force to ensure safety.

“All police officers will be on the roads as annual leaves have been cancelled,” Senior Sergeant Thomas said.

“Additional officers will be deployed from the Huntingwood station, northwest of Sydney.”

As well as Operation Safe Arrival on December 21 to January 1, the RPD will be conducting additional patrol before and after Safe Arrival.

Last year in the Riverina during Christmas, one motorist lost his life after his car collided with a power pole in Beelbangera, near Griffith.

So far this year, 320 people have died on NSW roads based on Transport for NSW data.

The number of road fatalities in country regions increased 217–267 in 2014–17.

More than 20 people died on the Riverina’s roads in 2017 compared to nine in 2016. 

During Operation Safe Arrival in 2017, the RPD’s highway patrol charged 387 people with speeding, 21 with seat-belt offences and conducted 12,727 breath tests – all in Wagga alone.

Senior Sergeant Thomas urged residents to not use distraction devices, including mobile phones.

“Be wary about drinking the night before and driving the day after – alcohol can stay in your body for up to 48 hours,” he said.

“As well, take regular breaks on long drives – be very careful about driving fatigue.”

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