A NSW Police spokesperson said they are alarmed at the actions of drivers across the state as they continue to put the lives of children and other road users at risk.
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The statement was made on day three of Operation Safe Return the annual road policing campaign for the Australia Day period which began at 12.01am on Thursday January 25, 2018 and ended at 11.59pm Sunday January 28, 2018.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said he is alarmed at how drivers would put their own families at such risk.
“It is never okay to endanger the lives of other road users and the community at risk when driving, but to put the lives of the people you love most at risk is simply unacceptable,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
After an incident in Sydney which resulted in a woman being charged with high range drink driving while her children were in the car the Assistant Commissioner said “This type of behaviour is ludicrous, and will not be tolerated by police. No child’s life should be endangered by the decision of an adult.”
Last year, 392 lives were lost on NSW roads. Between January 1 and 23 2018, 27 fatal crashes occurred on NSW roads, 29 people lost their lives on NSW roads during this time.
During that time, the majority of those who lost their lives on NSW roads were drivers (12), passengers (seven), pedestrians (six), motor cycle riders (three) and a bicycle rider (one).
Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn said provisional data showed 12 of those crashes involved single vehicles leaving the roadway. These vehicles either hit trees, barriers, stationary vehicles or rolled.
“We’ve seen over the Christmas period and into 2018 that lives are being lost on the road because some motorists have not been able to simply stay in their lane. Why?” she said.
“This is why we talk about speeding, being distracted, driving when tired, alcohol and drug driving and not wearing seat belts.”
The Deputy Commissioner said the weekend was all about getting from A to B and ensuring everyone can make a ‘Safe Return’ and not sacrifice safety in moments of impatience or distraction while driving.
Operation Safe Arrival results:
Total infringements issued (not speeding): 5,986
Speed infringements: 3,661
Breath tests: 150,008
Drink-driving charges: 158
Lives lost: 2
