Police are reminding motorists that road rules still apply and are being enforced during the COVID-19 pandemic following several incidents of dangerous driving, including serious speeding offences, across NSW.
So far this year, there has been significantly less traffic on NSW roads which can largely be attributed to the flow-on effects of the extended bushfire season and now COVID-19.
As a result, there have been fewer fatal crashes and drink-driving detections compared with the same period last year, but there has been a notable increase in the number of speeding infringements issued.
A comparison of the period March 16 to April 26 over the past three years (2018-20) shows the number of fatal and injury crashes has halved this year, while the number of lives lost for the period is 14 fewer than 2019.
Drink-driving detections also halved from about 2200 in 2018 and 2019, to about 1100 in 2020, but the proportion of those detected in the high range is up to 21 per cent from an average of 15 per cent in earlier years.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy, said the statistics highlight that some motorists have little regard for their own safety and lives of others.
“Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the most selfish acts someone can undertake, but some of the significant high-range PCA readings have been shocking; a sign that some people are taking their road use for granted,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
“Random breath testing and drug testing are still being conducted, and, as traffic increases as various restrictions are relaxed, Highway Patrol officers will be there to ensure all road users are doing the right thing.
“While the year-to-date road toll is 25 fewer than last year at 109, we need to remember that is still 109 people whose families, friends and workmates have had to suffer the loss of a loved one unnecessarily.
“And then, when you also consider the impact on emergency first-responders and medical staff, the total number of people directly and indirectly affected by road trauma are significant and, for many, life changing.
“The challenge is now on for everyone to do their part to keep the road toll down. In having less vehicles on our roads, it proved the road toll can be decreased, but it is road users ‘doing the right thing’ that will keep this number down.
“Once you turn the key in the ignition, you are fully responsible for your actions, and police will be there to hold you accountable.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott said this kind of dangerous driving behaviour is a recipe for disaster.
“I was in disbelief on learning that one offender was clocked doing more than 240km/h in a 60 zone. This is absolutely moronic behaviour at a time when our emergency services workers are focused on the fight against the pandemic,” he said.
Assistant Commissioner Corboy added that the main message is about personal responsibility.
“Ultimately, how you behave on the road is up to you but remember, while there are fewer vehicles on the road, there’s still the same amount of police, so traffic offences are somewhat easier to detect,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
“If you drink or use drugs and drive, not wear a seat belt, speed, or drive distracted or fatigued, you’re making a decision to come under police notice.
“If you’ve ever displayed any of these driver behaviours, now is the time to change your ways; not just to avoid a fine or other legal action, it might just save a life.”
For the latest news, views, issues, people, events, sport and real estate, visit http://localnewsplus2.com/?page_id=40
Police are reminding motorists that road rules still apply and are being enforced during the COVID-19 pandemic following several incidents of dangerous driving, including serious speeding offences, across NSW.
So far this year, there has been significantly less traffic on NSW roads which can largely be attributed to the flow-on effects of the extended bushfire season and now COVID-19.
As a result, there have been fewer fatal crashes and drink-driving detections compared with the same period last year, but there has been a notable increase in the number of speeding infringements issued.
A comparison of the period March 16 to April 26 over the past three years (2018-20) shows the number of fatal and injury crashes has halved this year, while the number of lives lost for the period is 14 fewer than 2019.
Drink-driving detections also halved from about 2200 in 2018 and 2019, to about 1100 in 2020, but the proportion of those detected in the high range is up to 21 per cent from an average of 15 per cent in earlier years.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy, said the statistics highlight that some motorists have little regard for their own safety and lives of others.
“Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the most selfish acts someone can undertake, but some of the significant high-range PCA readings have been shocking; a sign that some people are taking their road use for granted,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
“Random breath testing and drug testing are still being conducted, and, as traffic increases as various restrictions are relaxed, Highway Patrol officers will be there to ensure all road users are doing the right thing.
“While the year-to-date road toll is 25 fewer than last year at 109, we need to remember that is still 109 people whose families, friends and workmates have had to suffer the loss of a loved one unnecessarily.
“And then, when you also consider the impact on emergency first-responders and medical staff, the total number of people directly and indirectly affected by road trauma are significant and, for many, life changing.
“The challenge is now on for everyone to do their part to keep the road toll down. In having less vehicles on our roads, it proved the road toll can be decreased, but it is road users ‘doing the right thing’ that will keep this number down.
“Once you turn the key in the ignition, you are fully responsible for your actions, and police will be there to hold you accountable.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott said this kind of dangerous driving behaviour is a recipe for disaster.
“I was in disbelief on learning that one offender was clocked doing more than 240km/h in a 60 zone. This is absolutely moronic behaviour at a time when our emergency services workers are focused on the fight against the pandemic,” he said.
Assistant Commissioner Corboy added that the main message is about personal responsibility.
“Ultimately, how you behave on the road is up to you but remember, while there are fewer vehicles on the road, there’s still the same amount of police, so traffic offences are somewhat easier to detect,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
“If you drink or use drugs and drive, not wear a seat belt, speed, or drive distracted or fatigued, you’re making a decision to come under police notice.
“If you’ve ever displayed any of these driver behaviours, now is the time to change your ways; not just to avoid a fine or other legal action, it might just save a life.”
For the latest news, views, issues, people, events, sport and real estate, visit http://localnewsplus2.com/?page_id=40