BUSSELTON Police will conduct a road blitz over the long weekend targeting drink driving, mobile phone use and seat belts and will setup a random breath test unit on Friday afternoon.
Double demerits came into effect midnight on Thursday September 22 and will continue until midnight Monday September 26.
The September long weekend is a busy time on WA’s roads and the start of the school holidays, the Road Safety commissioner Kim Papalia has called on drivers to ensure it is a safe one on the roads.
Mr Papalia said tens of thousands of West Australians would be driving this weekend and he did not want to see a repeat of the tragic Labour Day long weekend in March, when 11 people were killed in three days.
“Eight of those were on regional roads,” he said.
“Before families head to the country for the weekend or holidays, or football fans and show-goers make the trek to Perth, it is important to have a conversation about the risks on the roads, and take the necessary precautions,” he said.
Over the past five years, approximately 70 per cent of fatal and serious injury crashes in regional WA, have occurred within a 250 kilometre radius of the metropolitan area.
“Many of WA’s favourite holiday spots are within that tragic line of loss, including beach getaways, caravan parks and camping grounds to the north, south and east,” he said.
Mr Papalia said that drivers should slow down and enjoy the scenery, as holidays are an opportunity to take the time to stop, have a coffee and visit the many little towns that make up WA.
“You will find that a stop or two along the way allows you to recharge the batteries and fight off fatigue, which can affect your reaction time and concentration,” he said.
“Put your phones and tablets away and enjoy the view, you will find you are more aware of what is happening outside the car when the phone is off and no longer a distraction.
“If you plan to visit winery, brewery or restaurant, make sure you designate a skipper before your visit, or book a bus tour with a local company.”
