NT police launch Christmas driver booze blitz

DECEMBER is already shaping to be one of the worst months for road deaths in the NT, even before the start of the official Christmas holiday period

Acting Sergeant Clint Richardson wants you to drive safely. Picture: KATRINA BRIDGEFORD

DECEMBER is already shaping to be one of the worst months for road deaths in the NT, even before the start of the official Christmas holiday period.

Three people have been killed on Territory roads already this month, the equal most for any month this year, except October and June.

With a total of 30 deaths so far, the 2017 road toll is well below the five-year average of 43.8, but Territory police say they won’t be taking any chances as they step up patrols during the holidays.

Darwin Traffic Operations Acting Sergeant Clint Richardson said the city’s traffic cops would be doing everything they could to ensure the death of a loved one would not ruin anyone’s Christmas this year.

“As we approach the Christmas season, as usual, we implore everybody to just look after the road rules, speed, seatbelts – obviously drink-driving is a huge factor over this period,” he said.

“Our road toll has significantly reduced this year and we’re very happy with the results there so far. (But) obviously zero would be the perfect score and we certainly don’t want any extra fatalities over the Christmas period, so if everyone can just keep their seat belts on, keep off their mobile phones – distraction, fatigue, all of the above.”

Sgt Richardson said police would be out in force to catch anyone who ignored the warnings, with a particular focus on drink-drivers during December and January.

“It’s renowned to get a lot more drink-drivers but I think that is possibly by virtue of the fact there’s more of us on the road and there’s more blitz-type activity on drink-driving,” he said.

“There’s going to be a lot of lockdown-type operations around the CBD following the Christmas festivities.”

Despite the best efforts of police, Sgt Richardson said only drivers could ensure no one’s Christmas turned tragic.

“Whether it’s after a day of work or a day out celebrating Christmas or the holidays, everybody wants to get home at the end of the day so please drive safe,” he said.