The first instinct on reading the following newspaper article might be to note the double demerit points and skip over the warning it contains.
As an incentive to consider being extra careful over the remainder of this week I draw your attention, not just to the 111 people killed on NSW roads up to 22 April in 2024, but also to the fact that it wasn't just those 58 drivers who were killed.
There were 18 passengers, 15 pedestrians, one lone person on a bicycle and 19 motorcyclists.
One of those dead was a very small child under 5 year of age, 10 were aged between 6 and 20 years of age, 64 were aged between 21 & 59 years and 36 were older people aged 65 years & over.
The majority of these deaths (73) occurring on rural and regional roads, with the latest fatal crashes on 20 April 2024 at Marulan in the Southern Highlands and on the Mitchell Highway near Dubbo.
So be careful out there - it is more than your own life you are risking if you behave foolishly.
The Western Weekender, 23 April 2024
Police are planning a huge presence on the roads for the ANZAC Day public holiday and the upcoming weekend.
Operation ANZAC Day 2024 will launch at 12.01am on Wednesday, April 24 2024, with double demerit points in place until 11.59pm on Sunday, April 28 2024, coinciding with the end of the school holidays.
The reminder comes after 111 people lost their lives so far this year, compared to 100 in the same period last year.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said police will be highly visible across the state this ANZAC Day weekend.
“Every driver has a responsibility to themselves, their passengers and other road users. Drive responsibly and drive to the conditions to ensure everyone arrives safely at their destination,” she said.
“ANZAC Day is a time to reflect on and commemorate our veterans. I want to thank the NSW Police Force for working around the clock to help keep the community safe this long weekend.”
The high-visibility policing operation will involve general duties officers, assisted by specialist police, including the Public Order and Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Mounted Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and Police Transport Command.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden, said the appeal to road users is to do the right thing before they head out, rather than have regrets when it’s too late.
Police will be targeting high-risk behaviours such as excessive speed, alcohol and drug driving offences, illegal use of mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts.
“The goal is preventing injury and death. Tragically this year, 111 people have died on NSW roads – a concerning increase of 11 deaths compared to this time last year,” he said.
“Speeding is a major contributor to fatal road crashes, and police will take action against road users who think they can speed and put themselves and others at risk.
“A decision to speed could result in a fatality in a split-second. Think about your choices and how they impact you and others around you. Share the road and make sure you arrive to your destination safely.
“We remain committed to ensuring public safety over the ANZAC Day weekend, and we’re asking all motorists to do their part as well – especially as we expect more cars on our roads with school holidays coming to an end.”
Transport for NSW Director of Road Safety Policy, Louise Higgins- Whitton said it was important that all road users obey the rules so everyone makes it home safe.
“Double demerits will be in place for all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences, we want everyone to follow the rules and do the right thing,” Higgins-Whitton said.
“Whether it’s a short trip to the local shops or you’re heading home as school holidays end, please make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep yourself and others safe.
“Simple things everyone can do include wearing a seatbelt, putting the mobile phone away, sticking to the speed limit, ensuring you’re well rested before you set out on your journey and never driving if affected by drugs or alcohol.”
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