Northern Territory Police are out in force across the Territory with a number of traffic blitz campaigns focussing on the concerning rate of alcohol related deaths on our roads.
52 lives were lost on NT roads last year, the highest number since 2008.
Detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Lindner said “The Major Crash Unit has reviewed last year’s fatalities and 46 people died in a crash where alcohol and/or drugs were either confirmed or suspected to be a factor.
“That’s 88% of lives lost.
“12 pedestrians died in 2022. Excluding the one child pedestrian death, all adult pedestrians killed were affected by alcohol.
“The Territory has a significant problem with alcohol, which is reflected in these statistics. The impact on the community, and the harm, is immeasurable.
“While we don’t have toxicology results for all pedestrian deaths in 2022, of those we have, the results were disappointingly high. Blood alcohol readings were between 0.204 and 0.320.”
“It is clear the community continues to greatly underestimate the role alcohol and drugs play in fatalities on Territory roads. Our road toll could be reduced to a single figure if everyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs simply stayed off the road.
Superintendent Peter Malley said “The NT Traffic Division significantly increased random breath testing during December last year, and will continue to do so throughout 2023.
A Traffic Blitz from Darwin to Alice Springs began at the start of this month and has already seen concerning results after 2480 breath tests were conducted across 9 random breath testing stations:
- 3 x Low range drinker drivers
- 4 x Medium range drink drivers
- 5 x High range drink drivers
- 5 x Drug drivers
- 9 x Un-roadworthy vehicles
- 1 x Breach domestic violence order
- 12 x Unlicensed drivers
- 30 x Traffic infringement notices issued
- 23 x Notices to appear issued
“If you are caught breaking the law, you will be prosecuted and face sanctions such as loss of license, fines and/or imprisonment.
“Northern Territory Police have also now begun to use Automatic Number Plate Recognition as a way of detecting unregistered vehicles on Territory roads. If you’re driving an unregistered vehicle, expect to be caught, so register now.
“As individuals, we can all do our part to help reduce the loss of life and injury on our roads.
“It is as simple as ensuring you avoid the Fatal Five; Speeding, drink or drug driving, driving distracted, not wearing a seatbelt and driving tired.
“Think of your own family and friends and consider how your death will impact them if you die needlessly as a result of making a completely avoidable decision.”
