For those of you on the road this long weekend, whether going on a trip or even just driving around town, be aware. Double demerit points will be in force again over the Easter holiday period to improve safety on roads across the state.
Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that the double demerit point period would commence on Thursday 29 March and conclude on Monday 2 April (inclusive).
“Double demerit points will apply to all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences this Easter holiday period. NSW Police will also be targeting dangerous driving behaviours such as drink driving and driver fatigue.”
Since their inception in 1997 there have been significant reductions in fatal crashes over the holiday periods; including Christmas/New Year, Easter and long weekends. Mobile phone offences were added to the list of double demerit point penalties in December 2015, with the aim of deterring this dangerous and distracting behaviour.
“Driving over the speed limit to save a couple of minutes, pushing on driving when you are tired, using your mobile phone whilst behind the wheel and driving after a few drinks isn’t worth the risk of not arriving at all.”
“I ask all drivers to remain vigilant over the Easter holiday period. We all have a part to play in reducing the amount of crashes and risks. Remember to slow down, schedule plenty of breaks during your trip, limit distractions in the car, don’t drink and drive and ensure all your passengers are wearing their seatbelts,” Ms Suitor said.
Lachlan Highway Patrol Sergeant Dearne Jeffree is encouraging all road users to pay attention to road conditions and allow plenty of travel time. “People may think that it is never going to happen to them – but unfortunately none of us are immune. Disturbingly almost three times as many people died on NSW roads over the Christmas/New Year break. We have seen some poor decisions made by a handful of drivers across the state.
“Drivers should be warned that they are at greatest risk of losing their licence during this five-day period. There will be more Police on the roads and therefore more chance of getting caught,” Sergeant Jeffree said.
For further information please contact Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, on (02) 6861 2364.