Slow down over Easter, police warn
Police have warned that the state’s annual Easter traffic blitz, Operation Tortoise, commences at 0001hrs on Thursday (5 April) with double demerit points in force for speeding and seatbelt offences.
Nine people were killed on New South Wales roads last Easter – one of those in the State’s north.
3344 motorists were clocked travelling above the speed limit on the region’s roads during Operation Tortoise last year while 186 were detected drink driving.
So far in 2007, 29 people have died on northern NSW roads.
Lower Hunter and Mid North Coast Local Area Commands have each recorded four road deaths so far this year – the region’s worth figures.
Coffs/Clarence and Tweed/Byron Local Area Commands have each recorded three fatalities, Lake Macquarie, Manning/Great Lakes and Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Commands have each had two road deaths, while Brisbane Water, Hunter Valley, Newcastle and Richmond Local Area Commands have recorded one death each.
Local highway patrol officers and mobile teams from Traffic Services Group will be out in force to ensure motorists obey the road rules this holiday weekend.
Holidaymakers are encouraged to plan their trip in advance and remain patient, with increased traffic expected on major roads across the weekend.
“Northern NSW, particularly coastal parts, is a very popular destination for tourists and as such we expect a lot of traffic on the region’s roads over coming days,” Senior Sergeant Mal Read, Northern Region Traffic Co-ordinator, said.
“Driver fatigue, speed and alcohol remain the three biggest killers on the State’s roads.
“I feel like a broken record but, frustratingly, it seems many motorists just aren’t getting the road safety message. If you get behind the wheel drunk, speed or drive whilst tired, you’re not only endangering yourself but every other innocent person on the road.
“Driving a vehicle, especially on long trips on country roads, takes a lot of concentration. It’s easy for drivers to become tired and lose concentration and for that reason I’d encourage them to take regular rest breaks”.
Operation Tortoise concludes at 2359hrs on Monday 9 April 2007.
