Police vow to get tough on fatal five in new Territory-wide road campaign
Police warn they will show “no leeway” to dangerous drivers as Operation Quinn targets the fatal five behaviours threatening festive season safety.
Be responsible, expect to see police on the streets, and get home safe this holiday season.
That’s the message NT Police are sending as part of its Territory-wide Christmas and New Year road safety campaign, Operation Quinn, which launched Wednesday.
So far 36 people have died on Territory roads this year, and 60 last year.
“Every single one of those crashes was preventable,” Superintendent Kirsten Engels said.
Ms Engels said police would be “unapologetic” in catching and enforcing road safety, but it was up to every individual to take responsibility for safety.
That involved paying attention to the fatal five: speed, drink or drug driving, fatigue, distraction and not wearing a seatbelt.
“Drive to the conditions, if it’s raining, if it’s night time, if there’s not enough light around, slow down,” Ms Engels said.
“Those pets that bounce from window to window, they might be cute, but they’re a distraction, they’re incredibly dangerous, and they need to be restrained.
“Do whatever it takes to get home safely for you and the others on the road.”
A random breath test set up on Casuarina Drive, Rapid Creek, caught two drunk drivers before 9am on Wednesday morning.
Ms Engels’ message to drug and drink drivers caught in the police blitz was “you’re not unlucky, you’re absolutely irresponsible”.
“Plan ahead. Get a sober bob, take a bus, an Uber, a taxi.
“The number of drink drivers we have is telling me they’re not getting it – and you have to get it sometime, because it’s ruining lives, left, right and centre.
“We’re not giving up until we do everything we can to prevent it, but we can’t stop people from doing stupid things.”
Operation Quinn will run through to January 2, and involve increased police presence on the streets.
Ms Engels said anyone caught driving under the influence would be pursued to the full extent of the law.
“There will be no leeway, there will be no caution, there will be no warning,” she said.
Acting Superintendent Dev Kanyilmaz pleaded with Territorians to drive like their family was in the car next to them.
He said alcohol and drugs was “far and away” the biggest factor leading to fatal crashed in the NT, but the holiday period also increased other risks.
“People travelling, fatigue, not planning their rest stops, trying to get from A to B in one go,” he said.
“It’s wet season, it’s a slippery time on the roads.”
Mr Kanyilmaz said every crash left a significant mark.
“The ripple effect through the families, through the community, through the police force – is quite significant.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Police vow to get tough on fatal five in new Territory-wide road campaign
Live stream: How to catch all the NTFL Round 11 action
