Slow down, watch out, be smart: Double demerit points at play over long weekend
With the Labour Day long weekend running from Friday to Monday, so too are the double demerit points.
On the Road
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One simple mistake could cost drivers their licences with police out in force and double demerit points applying for the long weekend.
NSW and ACT Police are targeting those who speed, are not wearing a seatbelt or motorcycle helmet, are drink or drug driving and using their mobile phone behind the wheel.
Residents in NSW, the ACT and SA will enjoy the Labour Day long weekend which runs until Monday, October 5.
Over the four days starting Friday, double demerit points will apply in NSW and the ACT.
South Australia does not have a double demerit point system in place.
NSW Police have launched Operation Slowdown where traffic and highway patrol officers will target wrongdoers on the roads.
“The message is clear – don’t speed or drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol on the roads and waterways and, importantly, use safety equipment, such as seat belts and life jackets because we know they really do save lives,” NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said.
Assistant Commissioner Karen Webb said people should expect to see a heavy police presence all weekend.
“We really want people to take more care on the roads this weekend. We expect more people will want to head out of Sydney to regional NSW and we ask people be patient,” she said.
“People have been locked up in their COVID environments (and) getting behind a wheel now, we need to reinforce messages: keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and eyes off the phone.
“Police will be out in force to ensure drivers get to their destinations safely and if they drive outside the law, they will have to face the consequences.”
Over last year’s public holiday, there were six deaths on NSW roads.
The state’s death toll stands at 237 for the year.
While SA will not have double demerit points, police will also target drivers doing the wrong thing.
Traffic Services Branch Officer in Charge Superintendent Bob Gray said every road crash was avoidable and the smallest of mistakes could be catastrophic.
“Many South Australians will be driving rather than flying to their holiday destinations this long weekend, and it’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure that this doesn’t result in any more lives lost on our roads,” Supt Gray said.
In SA, three people died on the roads over last year’s long weekend. The state’s road toll so far for 2020 is 67.
Originally published as Slow down, watch out, be smart: Double demerit points at play over long weekend