Thousands of NSW drivers caught speeding and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol across King’s Birthday long weekend

Thousands of drivers have been caught speeding and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol in a police blitz across the King’s Birthday long weekend.

Thousands of drivers have been caught speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs across the King’s Birthday long weekend.

Police targeted dangerous driving in NSW and saw a “concerning number” of incidents” including driving at excessive speeds, high-range drink driving and reckless driving.

More than 4000 drivers received speeding infringements, 275 people were charged with drink driving and 655 drivers tested positive to a roadside drug test.

NSW Police issued more than 4000 drivers speeding infringements, 275 people were caught drink driving and 655 drivers tested positive to a roadside drug test across the King’s Birthday long weekend. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

Police attended 287 major crashes across the weekend, that saw 75 people injured and 3 people die.

Police pursued one male driver aged 31 in a stolen 4WD who allegedly drove through multiple wire fences on a private property in Dunedoo before he was later spotted by Polair, arrested and charged.

Another 27-year old man allegedly took police on a pursuit for 190km through the Hunter Region before he was stopped by road spikes on the New England Highway in Wittingham.

Police allege a 54-year old man tested positive to a roadside drug test and his 64-year old passenger was found carrying drugs, lock picks and $9400 in counterfeit cash after police noticed their van had unauthorised plates in Budgewoi on Friday night.

A 28-year old woman travelling on the wrong side of Bent St in South Grafton just after midnight on Saturday, allegedly returned a roadside breath test reading of 0.234.

Another 49-year old driver returned a breath analysis test of 0.266 after a crash on Elizabeth St in Zetland about 2.10pm on Saturday afternoon. He was also charged with high-range drink driving.

A 49-year old male driver was charged with high-range drink driving after he allegedly returned a breath analysis test of 0.266 after a crash on Elizabeth St in Zetland. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

A 44-year old woman with two passengers aged 5 and 15 allegedly made an illegal U-turn to avoid a roadside breath test in Wahroonga, before she was pulled over and returned a reading of 0.197.

A 39-year old man in a Ford Mustang was allegedly driving 54km over the speed limit on the Hume Hwy in Liverpool, he was stopped and returned positive breath test reading of 0.098.

Assistant Commissioner David Driver said while the majority of drivers abided by the road rules there were a group of road users that continued to break the law, presenting a risk to the whole community.

Assistant Commissioner David Driver said while the majority of drivers abided by the road rules there were a group of road users that continued to break the law, presenting a risk to the whole community. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

“Over the past few days of the Kings birthday long weekend, we have seen three people lose their lives and 75 people injured on our roads,” he said.

“Motor vehicle crashes are preventable, however when they occur lives can be lost, and others permanently changed.

“I want to really reiterate the message that driving is a high-risk activity, and all road users need to drive their vehicle with care and attention, and importantly adhere to the road rules.”

Almost 400 mobile phone infringements were issued to drivers as well as 221 seatbelt infringements and 6,665 infringements for other offences.

Originally published as Thousands of NSW drivers caught speeding and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol across King’s Birthday long weekend