As the school holidays come to an end, road users can expect to see officers from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command out in force to ensure that all travellers return home safely.
The high visibility operation began yesterday (Thursday 16 July 2020) and will continue until Monday 20 July 2020 across the state's regional and metropolitan road network.
Drivers can expect to see police stationed across the state, conducting speed enforcement duties and random breath testing to ensure compliance with the road rules and to make sure all road users make it home safely.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Karen Webb, urged people to think of other road users before they get behind the wheel.
"Sadly, there has been 170 people killed on our roads this year and we do not want to see that figure increase," Assistant Commissioner Webb said.
"With people returning home for the end of school holidays, there's likely to be more cars on our roads and an increase in traffic.
"We encourage drivers to be patient, slow down, put away your mobile phones and don't drink drive or consume illicit substances.
"Driver fatigue is one of our biggest killers, which means all drivers should be well-rested before they start their journey. If you are tired, stop and have a break.
"If we all obey the road rules, we can work together to make sure everyone reaches their destination safely," Assistant Commissioner Webb said.
Minister for Regional Roads and Acting Minister for Roads Paul Toole said road safety was everyone's responsibility.
"When you get behind the wheel remember your behaviour can have a life-long impact on you, your family and other road users," Mr Toole said.
"Make safe choices by always wearing your seat belt, driving at or below the speed limit and monitoring the road conditions whether you are in the city or the bush.
"Worryingly, we have seen a spike in the road toll during the first half of July with 17 fatalities in the first 15 days. 65 per cent of those fatalities have been speed related – with speeding continuing to be the largest contributing factor for fatalities on our roads this year."
"So please slow down so everyone makes it home safe this school holidays," Mr Toole said.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said tragically, we've lost 17 children so far this year to road-related incidents.
"This should be a wake up call to all drivers to step up now so that the school holidays don't end with the unnecessary and avoidable loss of more lives," Mr Elliott said.
"Police will be out in full force on our roads to detect and stop high risk and irresponsible driving behaviour - so if you're disobeying the road rules, look out."
Anyone with information about dangerous driving behaviours is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
Media contacts:
NSW Police Media Unit: [email protected]
Transport for NSW: [email protected]
