‘Dob in a driver’ system enforced to crack down on law breakers

Law-breaking motorists have been warned “someone is always watching” after police launched a new campaign against dangerous drivers.

Members of the public have been urged to dob in law-evading motorists caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or using their mobile phones while behind the wheel.

So far close to 300 people have been killed on NSW roads this year, many as the result of distracted drivers or drug or alcohol-affected motorists.

The sobering statistic has prompted NSW Police and Crime Stoppers to launch a new campaign titled the Four Ds – drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving – just in time for the festive period in which road activity skyrockets.

Police Minister David Elliott said the campaign was designed to focus on things that “impair our judgment”.

“Whether it be drugs, whether it be distraction. And, of course, whether it be drink-driving … we want to make sure drivers across NSW know that one fatality is one too many,” he said.

As part of the campaign, the general public will be urged to call Crime Stoppers to report dangerous drivers or to hand over any information they may have, including dashcam footage.

Police Minister David Elliott said one fatality was one too many. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles

A caller’s identity will remain anonymous and they will not be asked to provide a witness statement.

“As a local member it breaks my heart when I hear about families who have had their lives ripped apart, particularly at Christmas time, because of a death on our road,” Mr Elliott said, noting that officers are expecting a record number of motorists on the road this summer.

“I want them to know full well that they have an obligation, as much as the government does, to provide safety and security on the road by protecting themselves and family.

“(People need to make sure) they avoid being the next statistic.”

Between January 1 and November 26, 280 people have been killed on NSW roads, and Transport Minister Andrew Constance said speeding was a major factor in many of those fatal accidents.

“(Speed) slots into the dangerous driving category of the Four Ds and is contributing to around 51 per cent of fatalities,” he said.

“Don’t be an idiot, slow down and take some responsibility.”

In 2019, 17 per cent of fatalities were caused by drink-driving. Of the 61 deaths due to drink-driving last year, 49 occurred in regional parts of the state, Mr Constance said.

“Country people think they can get away with drinking, taking drugs, not managing their fatigue and speeding,” he said.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance said many deaths due to drink-driving occur in the bush. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles

“We’re seeing a terrible situation where over two-thirds of fatalities are in the bush.”

About 11,000 people across NSW also spend at least a night in hospital each year due to being involved in a road accident.

People are encouraged to look out for distracted drivers or other telltale signs such as erratic driving that might indicate a person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol and should be reported to Crime Stoppers.

Information such as time, date, location and car registration are the forms of information officers will be asking for when taking an anonymous call.

“The more information we can glean, the more helpful that might be,” Traffic and Highway Patrol Command Assistant Commissioner Karen Webb said.

“Our message to motorists breaking the law is clear: Someone is watching you now and you will get caught.”

Crime Stoppers NSW CEO Peter Price AM said the organisation was asking “motorists to be our eyes and ears”.

He said in the case of an emergency people should phone triple-0 immediately, otherwise contact Crime Stoppers if individuals witness dangerous driving or suspected drink-driving.

The Four Ds campaign will be rolled out on social media.