Police are reminding motorists to take extra care on the state's roads as two truck drivers remain in hospital after a crash in Sydney's west on Christmas Eve.
The Crash Investigation Unit is continuing to conduct inquiries after both drivers – aged 29 and 30 – were taken to Westmead Hospital after the Schofields crash about 10.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 24 December 2019). The older man will undergo surgery for serious leg fractures and a dislocated hip.
It is one of 72 major crashes reported to police on day five of Operation Safe Arrival, the annual road policing campaign for Christmas and New Year, which started on Friday 20 December 2019, and will continue until 11.59pm on New Year's Day (Wednesday 1 January 2020).
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy, said road users need to take extra care while travelling this festive season.
"We want everyone to enjoy Christmas Day and arrive at their destinations safely," Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
"It's alarming that we are stopping drivers for driving while disqualified, driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and speeding.
"There have been thousands of motorists issued infringement notices for doing the wrong thing, despite our messages and high-visibility presence on the roads."
As Operation Safe Arrival continues, some examples of irresponsible driver behaviour detected during day five (Tuesday 24 December 2019) include;
About 5pm (Tuesday 24 December 2019), police stopped a motorcycle rider on Five Islands Road, Cringila, after he was allegedly detected travelling at 169km/h in a marked 80km/h zone. The rider, who is provisional P2 licence holder, had his licence suspended and his registration plate was confiscated. He was issued with a traffic infringement for exceed speed more than 45km/h.
About 9.15pm, Surry Hills Highway Patrol stopped a Honda Civic on Crown Street, Surry Hills, for the purpose of a random breath test. Police spoke to the driver, a 19-year-old man, before searching the vehicle, where they found cannabis, cocaine, nearly $2,000 cash, and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken to Surry Hills Police Station, where he was charged with supply prohibited drug (x2), possess prohibited drug, goods suspected stolen in premises (motor vehicle). The man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today (Wednesday 25 December 2019).
About 11.15pm, police stopped a vehicle allegedly driving with no headlights on Maitland Street, Narrabri. Checks revealed the 34-year-old male driver was wanted on three outstanding warrants and disqualified from driving until January 2021. He was taken to Narrabri Police Station and charged with the outstanding warrants, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period (second offence) and use unregistered registrable class A motor vehicle on road. He was refused bail to appear at Moree Bail Court today, where he was formally refused bail to re-appear at the same court on Monday 6 January 2020.
Just before midnight, a Ford XR6 was stopped on Galena Street, Broken Hill, and the 32-year-old driver allegedly returned a positive roadside breath test. He was arrested and taken to Broken Hill Police Station where he returned an alleged reading of 0.168. The man was charged with drive with high range PCA. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Broken Hill Local Court on Tuesday 21 January 2020.
Key statistics (progressive total):
- Speed infringements: 4,784
- Breath tests: 195,314
- Major crashes: 397
- Fatalities: 5
Motorists are urged to check for road closures prior to travelling at www.livetraffic.com. Always allow extra time to account for holiday traffic and remember to 'give way to safety', especially during the bushfire emergency.
