Drivers are being reminded to exercise caution while driving on the roads today following New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Operation Safe Arrival started at midnight Friday (20 December 2019) and ends tonight (Wednesday 1 January 2020) 11.59pm.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Command’s Assistant Commissioner, Michael Corboy, is urging drivers who celebrated the New Year with alcohol to be aware they are not over the legal limit.
“We know many people celebrated New Year’s Eve with alcohol, so do not get behind the wheel if you have been drinking.
“Alcohol leaves the body slowly, which means you could very well still be over the limit today – have a Plan B and arrange to have a designated driver,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
“Motorists are also being reminded to be aware of restricting their travels in bushfire-affected areas and to check www.livetraffic.com for updates on road closures prior to travelling.
“Sadly, overnight two motorcyclists lost their lives in separate crashes.
“This means two families will start the New Year without their loved ones.”
About 9pm emergency service attended Mitchell Highway, Maryvale near Dubbo, after a motorcycle and utility collided. A man aged in his 20s died at the scene.
In the second crash, a man died after he was thrown from his motorcycle while travelling on Coramba Road Coffs Harbour.
The circumstances surrounding both crashes are under investigations and reports will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Some examples of driver behaviour detected during day 12 (Tuesday 31 December 2019) include;
- About 10pm Auburn Highway Patrol noticed two cars stationary at the traffic lights at Australia Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park. Both cars accelerated when the lights turned green and allegedly they reached speeds up to 130km/h in a 60km/h area. Both drivers, aged 18 and 17, were stopped and issued a Field Court Attendance Notice for street racing, exceed speeding – over 45km/h, and had their licences suspended.
- About 12.45pm Riverina Highway Patrol stopped a 52-year-old man on the Riverina Highway at Hopefield for allegedly travelling 121km/h in a 100km/h zone. Police noticed two children, aged five and six, in the rear of the car with child seats that were not approved. The man was issued with infringements notices for excessive speed and unrestrained children.
- About 10.25pm a 22-year-old man failed to stop at an RBT site on the M7, Rooty Hill. Police has a short pursuit before the man was stopped and subjected to a breath test which was negative. A knife and a small quantity of drugs were located. It was also established the man was a disqualified driver until 2021. He was charged with drive while disqualified, fail to comply with request to stop, possess prohibited drug and custody of a knife in a public place.
Double demerit points are in force throughout the period for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.
Key statistics (progressive total) Day 12:
• Speed infringements: 10,923
• Breath tests: 485,727
• PCA: 618
• Major crashes: 824
• Fatalities: 11
