Police have launched their annual road safety blitz, Operation Safe Arrival, in a bid to keep road users safe this holiday season.
A major part of this year’s campaign is urging backseat drivers to speak up, following an alarming increase in passenger deaths.
367 people were killed on the state’s roads this year, with 76 of those passengers.
Deputy Commissioner Specialist Support, Catherine Burn, says passengers play a major role in keeping themselves, their drivers, and other road-users safe these holidays.
“In my view, one of the most tragic statistics is that 76 of the people who have died this year were passengers in vehicles. That is 24 more passengers who have died this year when compared to last year,” she said.
“During Operation Safe Arrival, we want everyone to remember not to let safety take a backseat. This means that we want drivers to think about the innocent passengers in their cars and other cars before they make a stupid decision to speed, pick up a phone, drink and drive, or drive tired.
“It also means we want passengers to be a backseat driver. Passengers need to speak up if they see their driver speeding, using their phone, or drinking before driving. They also need to offer to drive if their driver is tired or has been driving for a long period of time.”
Operation Safe Arrival starts at midnight tomorrow and will run until midnight on New Year’s Day.
Police will be targeting speeding, mobile phone use and seatbelt offences, with double demerits in place from December 22.
