Double demerits are back in play as NSW Police urge Hunter motorists to stay alert, plan ahead and take care on the roads this long weekend.
The annual road safety enforcement campaign, Operation Labour Day, starts at 12.01am on Friday 30 September and concludes at 11.59pm on Monday 3 October.
Officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command will be assisted by general duties police from districts across the state, targeting speeding, drink and drug driving, mobile phone use and other traffic offences.
Double demerits return for the duration of the operation, too.
So far this year, 219 people have died in crashes on NSW roads, including 154 in regional areas.
For the same period 12 months ago, 195 people passed away, with 139 of those occuring in rural settings.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Acting Assistant Commissioner Trent King said there would be a significant number of vehicles on the roads, amid the school holidays.
“We’ve sadly seen a number of examples recently of substantial road-related trauma,” he stated.
“Holidays are for families and friends to spend time together safely.
“So, we are pleading with motorists to help prevent further trauma by taking a few extra steps to ensure they plan ahead and manage their trips.
“This means not driving while you are tired, remembering to take breaks, not driving too fast, knowing the conditions, and refraining from alcohol and drug use if you’re getting behind the wheel.
“Police will be out in force across the state, so those who do the wrong thing can expect to be caught.
“We want everyone to arrive at their destination safely.
“And, we need all drivers to assist us in preventing further tragedies on our roads.”
Transport for NSW head of transport safety, security and emergency management Peter Dunphy said this was likely to be an especially busy time on the roads, with people out and about for the long weekend and school holidays.
“Every life lost is a tragedy,” he explained.
“And, sadly, so far this year we have already seen 219 people killed on our roads, that is 24 more than this time 12 months ago.
“We want everyone to get out and enjoy the long weekend.
“But, please, do so safely, slow down and follow the road rules so everyone on our roads can get to their destination safely.”
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