Stop taking road risks or prepare to cop the consequences.
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This is the core message of a new campaign the state government has launched ahead of the busiest time of the year on NSW roads – the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
Designed to deter motorists from taking risks and encourage them to take greater responsibility for their on-road behaviour, the Stop it… Or Cop it campaign comes as the state’s largest high visibility traffic police operation, Safe Arrival, began on Thursday.
Operation Safe Arrival will run until Monday, January 1 (inclusive). Double demerits will begin on December 22.
Minister for Police Troy Grant said motorists are continuing to take risks regardless of some of the longest and most intense high-visibility police operations NSW has ever seen.
“There will be more police tackling risky behaviour on our roads this Christmas as part of Operation Safe Arrival and the message to motorists is clear – you’re responsible for your own actions, you can either Stop it...Or cop it,” Mr Grant said.
His views were echoed by Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald.
“At a time when most of us look forward to enjoying time with friends and family, we need to prioritise safety, be vigilant, follow the road rules and drive to the conditions,” he said.
“While we don’t want to have to charge people, if you choose to put yourself or others at risk by breaking the road rules or being reckless, you will face the penalties.”
Motorists using the M1 during the holidays are being urged to plan their trip. Road works and reduced speed zones will cause delays and frustration.
Operation Safe Arrival
Operation Safe Arrival, the annual Christmas-New Year road safety enforcement police campaign, has a theme of ‘Don’t Let Safety Take a Backseat’ this year.
The theme, an “unorthodox” approach to the annual campaign, comes following an alarming increase in passenger deaths on NSW roads in 2017.
As of Monday (December 18), 372 lives had been lost on NSW – three more than the same time the previous year.
Operation Safe Arrival will run until midnight on January 1.
Double demerits will be in place for all speeding, mobile phone, seat belt and motorcycle-helmet offences from December 22 to January 1.
Police will be out in large numbers during the operation enforcing all types of dangerous driving behaviours.
Following the first weekend of Operation Safe Arrival, five people had died in separate crashes.
Monday’s operation statistics (across NSW):
- Total infringements issued: 10,128
- Speed infringements: 4469
- Breath tests: 114,649
- Drink-driving charges: 192
- Major crashes: 281
- Lives lost: 5
A road message from police
Catherine Burn, Deputy Commissioner Specialist Support, said passengers play a major role in keeping themselves, their drivers, and other road users safe, which is why police are pushing the ‘Don’t Let Safety Take a Backseat’ theme this year.
“In my view, one of the most tragic statistics is that 76 of the people who have died this year were passengers in vehicles,” she said.
“That is 24 more passengers who have died this year when compared to last year.
“This is an especially tragic statistic because it shows that innocent people are dying on our roads because of the poor decisions of people behind the wheel.”
During last year’s safe arrival operation, 16 people died. Ms Burn said this was “not good enough”.
“The message is simple, everyone needs to do their part and look out for each other, so that everyone can arrive home safely,” she said.
Don’t be silly during the silly season: Minister
Melinda Pavey, Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, said road safety should be in everyone’s mind at all times.
“The silly season isn’t an excuse to be silly,” she said.
“If you’re too tired to drive, stop and have a nap, don’t push on. Share the driving if you can. If you’re planning to have a drink, make sure you have a Plan B and of course always wear a seatbelt – it could save your life.”
A word from paramedics
Dominic Morgan, NSW Ambulance Chief Executive, said paramedics approached the holiday season dreading the inevitable call to a road tragedy.
“Road accidents are among the worst jobs our paramedics get called out to,” he said.
“The injuries inflicted by high-speed crashes are particularly severe and often result in death or serious injury.
“Tragically, it’s not uncommon for our paramedics to treat young children after a family road trip has gone horribly wrong.
“The best present you can give your family this Christmas is your safe arrival.”
Firies are affected by crashed too
Paul McGuiggan, Fire and Rescue NSW Assistant Commissioner, also urged motorists to take extra care when driving to their holiday destination.
“This year alone FRNSW crews have attended more than 2000 crashes on NSW roads where drivers or passengers were injured or needed to be extracted from vehicles,” Assistant Commissioner McGuiggan said.
“Some of these people have suffered horrific injuries and some have tragically died. Lives have been forever altered by crashes that could have been avoided.
“Drive safely over the holidays, so we don’t have to rescue you from a wreckage this Christmas.”