This Christmas, 174 families will have empty seats at their dinner tables after having experienced the deaths of loved ones on WA roads during 2011.

The 2011 Christmas Traffic Campaign is a reminder to all road users to take responsibility for their actions and consider the impact that their death or injury may have on their family and friends.

Police Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan APM said although enforcement and education contribute to saving many lives each year, drivers need to take road safety more seriously.

“The sad fact is that with around 190 road deaths being recorded during each of the past few years, more than 10 families will face losing their loved ones between this Christmas and the New Year period,” he said.

“Police will be out in force over the period, covering both metropolitan and country areas, targeting motorists who engage in dangerous behaviours. These behaviours put themselves and others at risk and include speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seat belts, driving while distracted and/or fatigued, or driving unroadworthy vehicles.”

This year’s Christmas Traffic Campaign was launched by the Hon. Rob Johnson MLA, Minister for Police; Road Safety, and the Commissioner of Police Karl O’Callaghan APM at Perth’s Langley Park. Here they are flanked by officers from WA Police, Fire and Emergency Services, and St John Ambulance.