POLICE will be focused on road safety statewide this Easter long weekend with police reminding people travelling to and from their destinations to think about their choices behind the wheel.
Over the past five Easter long weekends, 13 lives have been lost, 284 people have been seriously injured and a further 706 people injured.
Road policing command Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryer is reminding people on the eve of the long weekend that police will be targeting risky road user behaviour.
“Our members statewide will have a visible presence on the highways, backstreets and off-road in the hope that motorists think twice about their behaviour,” AC Fryer said.
“We don’t want to see a repeat of the Labour Day weekend where sadly six people lost their lives.”
Last year’s Easter weekend saw three people die on the states roads.
“Every police vehicle is a mobile booze bus and motorists should expect to be breath-tested and drug tested anywhere and anytime,” he said.
“The Solo Unit will be deployed to country areas to ensure motorcyclist and recreational riders are doing the right thing. Our intelligence tells us that motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable over these holiday periods.
“Whether riding on or off-road, riders need to ensure they adapt to the conditions of the road, look out for foreign objects, other road users and pedestrians.
“The right gear is often the only barrier and a strong determining factor in the degree of injury if involved in crash.
“I’m not suggesting it’s always the motorcyclist at fault, all road users need to be mindful of who they are sharing the road with, it is about respect and awareness and looking out for one another.
The priority areas have been identified after looking at the number of collisions, injuries and volume of trauma over the Easter weekend for previous years.
“I want everyone to enjoy the weekend and to do so safely,” AC Fryer said.
“Inject some common sense into your celebrations, if you’re going to drink, don’t drive, put your mobile away and for those travelling on unfamiliar roads or long distances, please plan ahead and take a break.
“The advice is so simple, but it is also lifesaving.”
Operation Nexus will run from 12.01am on Thursday, March 28 until 11.59pm Monday, April 2, 2018.
The main causes of fatalities and serious injuries in crashes will be the focus of Operation Nexus and include speeding, mobile phone use and distraction, seatbelt noncompliance and drink and drug drivers.
