Two lives have been lost on NSW roads following a single-vehicle crash at Dunedoo, during the first day of Operation Safe Arrival.
Operation Safe Arrival started at midnight yesterday (12.01am on Friday 20 December 2019) and ends 11.59pm on New Year's Day (Wednesday 1 January 2020).
Double demerit points will be in force throughout the period for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.
NSW Police officers will also be targeting other poor driver behaviour, including drink-and-drug-driving.
Due to the proximity of current bushfires to main roads and highways, police are asking motorists to reconsider travel plans and delay all non-essential travel.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy, said it's been a devastating start to the Christmas/New Year season with two people killed on day one.
"Numerous roads closures are in place as the fire emergency continues across the state," Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
"Motorists are advised to take extra care when driving in bushfire affected areas and drive to the conditions, especially in poor visibility, allowing extra stopping distance.
"The main priority for emergency services is getting you home safe and well. It is never easy to hear someone has lost their life particularly so close to Christmas Day," Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
Some examples of irresponsible driver behaviour detected during day one (Friday 20 December 2019) include;
About 1.35pm, a 51-year-old woman was stopped on the Great Western Highway at Mays Hill, after checks revealed the vehicles registration had expired. The driver was breath tested returning a positive result. She was taken to Merrylands Police Station where a breath analysis returned a reading on 0.170. She was issued a Field Court Attendance Notice for drive with high-range PCA to appear at Parramatta Local Court in January 2020. Her driver's licence was also suspended.
About 11.24pm, a 19-year-old Bangladesh National student was detected driving at a speed of 141km/h in an 80km/h sign posted area on Silverwater Road at Ermington. He was issued an over 45km/h traffic infringement notice. His driver's licence was also suspended for six months and number plates were confiscated.
About 10.40pm, a 30-year-old woman with a provisional licence was stopped on The Escort Way, Eugowra, for a random breath test. A returning a positive result, she was arrested and taken to Parkes Police Station for a secondary oral fluid test. Checks on the female driver's licence indicated that her licence is currently endorsed disqualified until 2024. She was charged with drive motor vehicle during disqualification period. The Nyngan woman is due to appear at Forbes Local Court on Thursday 9 January 2020.
About 8.45am, a 54-year-old woman was stopped on Boggabilla Road, Moree, for a random breath test. After returning a positive result, she was arrested and taken to Moree Police Station where a breath analysis returned a reading on 0.134. She was issued with a Field Court Attendance Notice was issued for drive with mid-range PCA to appear at Moree Local Court on Monday 3 February 2020. Her licence was also suspended.
Key statistics (progressive total):
Speed infringements: 1,134
Breath tests: 41,363
PCA charges: 31
Major crashes: 61
Fatalities: 2
