Double demerits will apply during Operation Stay Alert over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend
Drivers are being warned to take extra car on our roads because double demerit points start at midnight and will continue over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.
Macarthur
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DRIVERS are being warned to take extra car on our roads because double demerit points start at midnight and will continue over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.
The NSW Police four-day road safety blitz Operation Stay Alert runs from 12.01am on Friday and ends on Monday, June 11, at 11.59pm.
NSW Police are reminding road users to make safe decisions and share the responsibility on the roads.
So far this year, 154 people have already lost their lives on NSW roads, four more than the same time last year.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Command Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said the vast majority of crashes were avoidable if road users showed the required responsibility and obeyed the traffic rules,’’ he said.
“We continue to see examples of irresponsible driving behaviour, including drink and drug driving, distraction, not using a seat belt and fatigue, which all lead to serious crashes and fatalities on NSW roads.
“Double demerit points will apply throughout the long weekend and I am appealing to all road users to slow down, drive to the conditions especially with wet weather forecast and abide by the traffic rules.”
More police will be on the roads during the public holiday period.
Top tips for staying safe on NSW roads this weekend:
■ Plan your route and rest stops along the way;
■ Drive to traffic conditions, stick to speed limits and state laws;
■ To avoid fatigue, make sure you get a good night’s sleep and avoid driving after midnight; ■ Plan to share the driving if you can;
■ Be aware of signs of fatigue: yawning, excessive blinking, bloodshot eyes. Pull over for a break in a safe place and take a nap - 20 minutes works best;
■ Have a Plan B if you intend to drink alcohol - don’t get behind the wheel;
■ Always wear a seat belt. As a driver it is your responsibility to make sure every passenger in the car is buckled up; and
■ Check your vehicle before driving - tyre tread and pressure, lights, breaks, engine oil, coolant and power steering fluid.