2009 CHRISTMAS TRAFFIC CAMPAIGN
Drivers who attend licensed premises and drive home through back streets and minor roads will specifically come under the watchful eye of police during this year’s Christmas traffic campaign.
Beginning Friday, 18 December, Christmas Care 2009 has been embracing the common road safety warnings on speeding, drink and drug driving and non-seatbelt use, but also reinforcing the message that drivers can be policed ‘anywhere, anytime’.
Police Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan APM said the additional funding for 5,500 policing hours under Operation Octopus would enable police to be more visible, and provide a concerted crackdown on those who would drink and drive in our suburban back streets and regional roads.
“With large-scale breath testing and speeding operations being conducted around the state, the likelihood of being caught committing traffic offences, particularly those that contribute to fatal crashes, will rise significantly.”
Hoon drivers and suspended drivers are also reminded that there will be no giving by police during this Christmas – instead, police will be doing the taking by confiscating their cars.
Commissioner O’Callaghan reminded errant motorists that police would have very little Christmas spirit for those caught putting the lives of themselves and others at risk.
“Thirteen people died on our roads during the Christmas period last year, and with the current rate of deaths on our roads, it’s disappointing to think that we may come close to last year’s total of 209.”