As the October long weekend approaches many residents may be seeking to travel to see friends or relatives during the school holidays. Double demerits will again be in operation over this weekend so drivers are urged to watch their speed and plan their journeys.
The double demerit points period for the Labour Day long weekend will run from Friday 4 October 2024 to Monday 7 October 2024 inclusive.
Leeton Shire Council's Road Safety Officer, Steph Puntoriero, said, "Fines and demerits will be applied to speeding, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences and can result in immediate licence suspensions."
"Drivers are urged to plan their journeys to build in rest breaks and take advantage of Driver Reviver sites.
"With the warmer weather bringing many riders onto our roads, we would particularly like to remind motorcyclists of the double demerits message and other roads users to remember to 'Check Twice for Bikes'."
Some drivers do not seem to be getting the message regarding speeding according to Mrs Puntoriero. "Speeding remains the greatest cause of death and injuries on our roads, contributing to 22 per cent of crashes in Leeton Shire."
"With 244 people killed on NSW roads since the start of the year, we need people to understand that speeding and unsafe behaviour kills and there are consequences for breaking the law.
"Previous double demerit periods have seen increases in the issuing of infringements for speeding offences. Drivers should not be complacent. There will be extra police patrols over the holiday weekend and drivers should understand there is no such thing as safe speeding," she said.
Crash data for the five-year period 2019-2023 revealed that from 135 crashes recorded in Leeton Shire there were 136 casualties; this results in over 35% of these casualties being fatal or serious injury.
The demerit point for illegal mobile phone use is 5 points so if you're caught using your phone illegally while driving this long weekend you'll cop 10 demerit points.
"NSW Police and Council are calling on everyone on our roads to use common sense and err on the side of caution. Taking risks will likely lead to tragic consequences. Don't speed, don't drink and drive or illegally use your mobile phone this holiday weekend. You're putting the lives of yourself and others at risk and you'll face stiff penalties when caught," Mrs Puntoriero added.
