"Make your trip count, don’t become a statistic" is the message from NSW Police ahead of a two-week holiday traffic blitz on the State’s roads.
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Road trauma doesn’t discriminate – 107 people have died on our roads this year, up from 89 deaths at the same time last year, while eight people were killed during the same holiday period in 2013.
Today (Thursday 17 April 2014), police will launch a two-week, high-profile, state-wide traffic blitz encompassing the Easter long weekend, Anzac Day long weekend and school holidays.
It will involve two separate police operations: ’Tortoise,’ the traditional Easter campaign which commenced at 12.01am today (Thursday 17 April 2014) and finishes at 11.59pm on Monday 21 April, and ‘Go Slow,’ which starts at 12.01am on Thursday 24 April and continues until 11.59pm on Sunday 27 April 2014.
Double demerits will be in force for speeding, seatbelt, and motorcycle helmet offences throughout both operations.
NSW Police Force Commissioner, Andrew Scipione said, although a reduction in fatalities was encouraging, the community needed to remain vigilant and exhibit safe driving practices.
“We have seen fatalities fall in NSW over the last five years, and 2013 was a record low of 339,” Mr Scipione said.
“This is an encouraging sign that road users are starting to change their driving behaviour, but we can never lose sight of the fact that so far this year 107 people have been killed on our roads.
“We are still detecting speeding, drink driving and distracted motorists on a daily basis,” Mr Scipione said.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner John Hartley said, drivers and passengers need to ensure they are well prepared before heading out.
“Over the Easter, school holiday and Anzac Day periods, we will put every resource available into ensuring that families get to and from their holiday destinations safely.
“Drivers, before heading out ensure you have had adequate rest, you’re not under the influence, and your mobile phone or tablet will not become a distraction on the journey.
“Families should look out for one another, ensure you are all wearing seatbelts and that your driver has the ability to concentrate on the road in front of them,” Assistant Commissioner Hartley said