With an increase in traffic on our roads over the June long weekend, drivers be warned: speed, illegally use a mobile phone or fail to wear your seatbelt and you will incur double demerit points.
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The same applies for motorcyclists that fail to wear helmets.
Double demerit points will be in force for four days commencing midnight on Thursday, June 7 and ending midnight on Monday, June 11 (inclusive).
Friday, June 8 is a publicly notified school day therefore double demerit points will apply to all relevant school zone offences committed on that day.
Road safety officer, Renee McMillan said there will be more police on the road which means a greater chance of drivers receiving fines and incurring demerit points.
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Police enforcement figures show that double demerit points do deter motorists from speeding, illegally using a mobile phone and not wearing their seatbelt/helmet when roads are at their busiest.
"Drivers should be warned that they are at greatest risk of losing their license during this period,” Mrs McMillan said.
“There will be more police on the roads and therefore more chance of getting caught and losing points.”
There will be more police on the roads and therefore more chance of getting caught and losing points.
- Road Safety Officer, Renee McMillan.
Speeding is the highest contributing factor in fatal and serious injury crashes across the state and approximately one in five occupants killed on country roads were not wearing a seatbelt.
When you speed you not only risk the chance of being caught by the police, you also increase the risk of being involved in a crash.
Even small reductions in speed can make a big difference to impact speeds, stopping distance and the time you have to take evasive action to avoid a collision.
All these things can mean the difference between life and death.
“And we all know about the life saving potential of seatbelts,” Mrs McMillan said.
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“Even in a low speed crash, if you are not correctly restrained you will become a missile in the vehicle possibly hitting the windscreen, dashboard or other occupants in the car. You could also be ejected from the vehicle. Wearing a seatbelt can the difference between dying or surviving a crash.”
Mrs McMillan is encouraging all road users to stay safe this June long weekend.
“People may think that it is never going to happen to them – but the statistics tell a different story,” she said.
“Driving is one of the most dangerous things that we do everyday, but because you don't crash every time you get behind the wheel people do become blasé about the risks.
“With the increase in traffic, the risk of crashes occurring increases, but the onus is on all road users to be vigilant. We all have a part to play in reducing the amount of crashes and risky behaviour.
"Remember to slow down, schedule plenty of breaks during your trip, don’t drink and drive and ensure you and all your passengers are wearing a seatbelt.”
