Riverina Police District Acting Inspector Steven Magnone. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
It is all hands on deck as police head out in full force over the Australia Day long weekend targeting driving offences in the region.
The statewide traffic police operation began at 12:01 am on Friday (24 January) and will conclude at 11:59 pm on Monday (27 January), with double demerit points in place throughout that period.
Riverina Police District Acting Inspector Steven Magnone said with every police vehicle rostered on the road, officers would target speeding, drink-driving, drug-driving, seatbelt and mobile phone offences.
“This year to date, we’ve had no fatalities in the Riverina and that’s an excellent result,” Acting Insp Magnone said.
“But one fatality is one fatality too many for us, and it’s going to be all hands on deck this weekend to keep that number to zero.
“Police are going to be on those major routes, and the less-travelled routes.”
Acting Insp Magnone said officers would do everything in their power to enforce the road rules to prevent road fatalities.
“This time last year, NSW had three crashes, resulting in four fatalities. That’s a significant number of lives lost over a long weekend.
Acting Insp Magnone said speeding was a common offence on main regional roads, while drug driving continued to be a challenge for police.
“We see speed as a significant factor with motorists trying to get to a destination,” he said. ”I ask motorists if they’re going to go and travel long distances; they plan their route and have a rest and a break. Fatigue plays a significant role in fatal injuries on our main roads.
“Motorists continue to use illicit drugs and then get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.
“We’ll be doing everything in our power to prevent that and detect motorists driving under the influence or with substances in their system.”
The message from Acting Insp Magnone to motorists this long weekend was not only to plan their journeys but also to make safe choices.
“If you’re going to drink, don’t drive. Have a plan B and get to your destination safely,” he said.
“It is better to get there five minutes late than not to get there at all.
“As passengers, if you see a driver committing offences, call that behaviour out. The responsibility lies with all of us who use our roadways.”
With double demerit points in place, motorists are reminded that the penalty for using their mobile phones will accrue 10 demerit points.
Click here to find out more about the double demerit points system.
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