YOU will see us coming, NSW Police has warned ahead of the Australia Day long weekend in the Central West.
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Operation Safe Return, the long weekend road safety-enforcement operation, starts at 12.01am on Friday, January 25 and concludes at 11.59pm on Monday, January 28.
Double demerits will be in force throughout the period for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.
Two driver and one pedestrian lost their lives in crashes during last year’s Operation Safe Return, with two of those crashes occurring on rural roads between 4-9pm.
NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Command’s Assistant Commissioner, Michael Corboy, said police will be targeting back road and rural areas in the Central West during the long weekend.
“We know many people will be heading for a little time away across the weekend, so we will be right there with you wherever you will be driving throughout NSW including on those back roads,” he said.
“We will continue targeting those feeder roads that lead to our major arterial roads.”
Police will be targeting speeding drivers and ramping up testing for alcohol and drugs through increased random alcohol and drug testing.
Assistant Commissioner Corboy called on passengers to speak up and tell their driver to take a break if they noticed the person behind the wheel was looking tired.
“This summer has been hotter than normal, so people may not have been sleeping as well so I would encourage people to get a good night’s sleep before setting out on a long trip,” he said.
“Take a break every couple of hours and have enough water in the car for everyone.
“Eight passengers, 21 drivers, three motorcyclists and a pillion passenger have lost their lives so far this year on NSW roads.
We will be right there with you wherever you will be driving throughout NSW including on those back roads.
- NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Command’s Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy
“I also want people to speak up if their driver is about to drive off after consuming alcohol or drugs or is talking on the phone. It’s your life too.”
Centre for Road Safety acting executive director Craig Moran said Australia Day was traditionally a time when people enjoy socialising with friends and family.
“If you’re planning on drinking over Australia Day then have a Plan B leave your car at home and plan ahead to get home safely,” he said.
“It’s also a busy weekend on the roads as people return home for the start of the new school year. If you are travelling this weekend make sure you stick to the speed limit, drive to the conditions and never ever drive tired or if you’re affected by drugs or alcohol.
“We want everyone to enjoy the long weekend and get home safely.”