"Bring Your A Game" and slow down while travelling is the message to those travelling through and around NSW during the Labor Day long weekend and NSW School Holidays, NSW Police say.
Operation Slow Down, the long weekend road safety enforcement operation, starts at 12.01am on Friday 28 September 2018 and concludes at 11.59pm on Monday 1 October 2018.
Double demerits will be in force throughout the period for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences. As Friday is a designated school day, an additional demerit point on top of double demerits will also apply to all relevant school zone offences committed on that day.
Motorists are also being reminded that from 17 September 2018 an extra demerit point was added to the penalty for illegally using a mobile phone while driving. This will add an additional two demerit points in double demerit periods resulting in a total of 10 demerit points for this offence.
During the 2017 Operation Slow Down period, three lives were lost in two fatal crashes on NSW roads. Both crashes occurred on rural roads
Traffic and Highway Patrol Command’s Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said along with the start of the school holidays, people were also embarking on long-haul drives to the Grand Final and other events.
"Just as all teams involved in the NRL and AFL Grand Finals are bringing their A Games, we want people to bring their A Game and plan ahead before they even get into their vehicles – that means not driving while you are tired, remembering to take breaks, not driving too fast for the conditions and not driving if you have consumed any drugs and/or alcohol.
"One crash last year at Morisset involved a car leaving its lane. The vehicle went on to hit a power pole and a tree. Lives are being lost on the road and families are being changed forever because some motorists have not been able to simply stay in their lane," Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
"This weekend is all about getting from A to B and ensuring everyone can make it back home – not sacrificing safety in moments of possible impatience while driving."
Minister for Police Troy Grant said this October long weekend marks the start of the school holidays, and many families will undoubtedly hit the road for a break with their kids.
"I want everyone to enjoy themselves and have a terrific time, but more importantly, I want them to arrive at their destination safe and sound," said Mr Grant.
"After a horror weekend with multiple motorbike fatalities, it’s also extremely important for drivers and motorcyclists to be aware of their surroundings.
"One road fatality is one too many, so I urge people to stick to the speed limit, put their phone down, and observe the road rules."
Executive Director of the NSW Centre for Road Safety Bernard Carlon encouraged people across NSW to enjoy the long weekend with family and friends, but to do so with road safety in mind at all times.
"It is grand final weekend, the weather is getting warmer and kids across the State are enjoying their school holidays. There is no doubt it is a wonderful time of year, but we can never lose sight of our goal of a zero road toll," Mr Carlon said.
"When you behave dangerously behind the wheel, you aren’t just putting your own life at risk, but you are endangering the lives of other innocent road users.
"Please consider how your decisions could impact others. Make sure you stick to the road rules and take your time, if you feel tired pull over and take a break and don’t drink and drive.
"Mobile phones, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt or helmet are all contributing factors in fatal crashes and that is why we are coming down hard on these offences."
