4 April 2012

Double demerits for Easter start tomorrow

4 April 2012 | By johnboy

ACT Policing is once again participating in Operation Crossroads, an Australian and New Zealand police initiative to reduce the number of road trauma incidents on our roads this Easter.

This time ACT Policing, along with NSW Police, is teaming up with ACT Ambulance Service and ACT Fire and Rescue to highlight the trauma surrounding major collisions.

Superintendent of Traffic Operations Kylie Flower said that as first responders, police, paramedics and firefighters see first-hand the devastating effects of major collisions and road deaths.

“Deaths, injuries and disability resulting from motor vehicle crashes inflict considerable pain and suffering on individuals, families and communities, as well as on other road users, emergency service providers, health workers and police officers,” Superintendent Flower said.

“So many deaths and road injuries are preventable. We know that certain dangerous behaviours contribute toward serious road crashes including speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seat belts, distracted driving, and driving while fatigued.

“While not all these result in crashes, we know that dangerous drivers are clearly over represented in serious road trauma and unnecessarily put other road users at risk.”

For every death on our roads, another 11 people are injured badly enough to need hospital treatment, and the emotional and psychological effects of a serious road accident are immeasurable.

ACT Policing is also working with NSW Police this Easter, with particular focus on the Kings Highway, where a number of people have recently lost their lives.

Double demerits apply from Thursday 5 April 2012 until Monday 9 April 2012 inclusive.

[Courtesy ACT Policing]