Police issue warning to drivers with double demerits already in effect
Millions of drivers across NSW are being urged to drive safely and stick to the speed limit this long weekend as police begin a major traffic operation.
There will be a high-visibility presence for the King’s Birthday long weekend from today until 11.59pm on Monday, June 8.
Double demerits will run from today until 11.59pm on Monday, June 8. Supplied
The operation will target excessive speed, alcohol and drug driving, distraction including mobile phone use, fatigue, restraint offences and helmet offences.
Double demerits will apply to speeding, mobile phone use, seatbelt and helmet offences.
NSW Police inspector Steve Templeman said the faster a car travels, the longer it takes for a vehicle to stop.
“It can take up to a football field to stop a car that’s travelling at 100km/h,” Templeman said.
“It’s a timely reminder to motorists to take their time and keep a safe distance behind other vehicles.
“I just remind all motorists that when they get behind the wheel to take care and think about who is in their car, think about your loved ones.
“Understand that you have precious cargo on board, and we want all people to arrive to their loved ones in a safe manner.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns urged motorists to drive safely this long weekend.
“You must drive safely, it’s not an encouragement, it’s the law,” Minns said.
There have been 156 lives lost on NSW roads this year, which is 11 more than the same time last year.
Last month, three people died in a horror crash at San Souci in Sydney’s south, including 28-year-old Seamus Duignan and 22-year-old rideshare driver Shoaib Hussain.
A man and a toddler also died after a three-car crash at Kemp’s Creek later in the month.
This weekend’s police operation will involve the traffic and highway patrol command, general duties officers and specialist police.
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