Christmas crackdown: NT Police, medicos stress the road safety message as peak holidays approach
Cracking down on drink and drug driving is a top priority for NT Police over the Christmas period, with 80 per cent of this year’s 58 fatalities attributable to impairment.
Northern Territory
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More than 8500 people have been breath tested in 11 days in a Christmas road safety blitz, NT Police said in an update to its recently launched operation.
Operation Angove, which came into force on December 12, has been targeting drink and drug drivers on NT roads with a total of 80 per cent of 2024 road fatalities related to drug or alcohol consumption, according to police figures.
On Monday, Assistant Commissioner Matt Hollamby reminded Territorians that 58 people wouldn’t be celebrating Christmas due to road fatalities in the NT this year, and the last thing police wanted was to ruin somebody’s Christmas with the knock nobody wants to get.
“Please take care on our roads over Christmas,” he said.
“We are letting you know now that we are out in force targeting drink and drug driving.
“Christmas is a festive time and for a lot of people that involves drinking alcohol as well.
“By all means have a great Christmas, and if it includes alcohol, have a drink in moderation, but whatever you do, please, please don’t drink and drive.”
However, Commissioner Hollamby did not reveal what, if any, offending was uncovered as a result of the 8500-plus roadside tests administered.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro also encouraged Territorians to be responsible over the holiday period.
“As we head into the Christmas season, it’s really important that Territorians take care on our roads and be responsible for safe driving,” she said.
“And that’s why this Christmas period, our police are stepping up Operation Angove.
“People will see increased [random breath tests] and police presence on our roads, and this serves as a timely reminder for people to stay safe.”
Rebecca Day, a senior emergency worker in the Top End, reminded Territorians to take safety into consideration in all aspects over Christmas.
From minor things to sunscreen, food hygiene, and wearing a bicycle helmet while riding, to keeping an eye on children around water, and taking care of people’s mental health, Dr Day said everyone deserved to have a safe Christmas.
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