Camden Council is reminding drivers to focus on safety behind the wheel, with double demerits in effect this weekend.
Double demerits apply in NSW from Friday 24 to Monday 27 April, and during other long weekends and holiday periods throughout the year. During these times, certain traffic offences, including speeding, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences, carry double the usual demerit points, making it the perfect reminder to drive carefully.
Council is urging all drivers to plan ahead and build safety into their journeys, especially during peak travel times when roads are busier and the risk of crashes increases.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli, said keeping our roads safe was a shared responsibility.
"Whether you're commuting to work, heading out on a weekend adventure or picking kids up from school, making safe choices on our roads saves lives," she said.
"When we have double demerit periods coming up, road safety always comes into focus. But, the truth is that we should be focusing on this serious issue every day of the year and committing to driving and behaving safely on our roads.
"For our drivers - think about the heartbreak your family would face if you didn't return home safely. No one should have to go through that. Being aware and safe as we drive is the first step in avoiding a tragedy."
Council's Traffic and Road Safety Team works closely with schools, NSW Police, Transport for NSW, community groups and other organisation to deliver education programs and safety initiatives aimed at reducing road trauma.
Council's road safety resources include:
• Child Restraint Fitting and Checking events, free throughout the year for residents;
• Drives for Learners in Macarthur, a joint initiative with Campbelltown City Council and Macarthur Highway Patrol providing pre-planned routes to help learner drivers gain experience in varied conditions;
• U Turn the Wheel, delivered with Camden Rotary to help young drivers make safer choices;
• Kinder Orientation Presentations, where Council and local Highway Patrol Officers speak directly to parents about school road safety; and
• Seniors' Pedestrian Safety, offering sessions to local seniors' groups on staying safe on foot.
For more information on Council's road safety initiatives, visit
camden.nsw.gov.au/community/community-information/crime-prevention-and-road-safety/road-safety
