Five days of double demerits over Easter

13 Apr 2017 8:48 AM -

Double demerit points will be in force again over the Easter holiday period to improve safety on roads across the state.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils' Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that the double demerit point period would commence on Thursday 13 April and conclude on Monday 17 April (inclusive).

"Double demerit points will apply to all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences this Easter holiday period.  NSW Police will also be targeting dangerous driving behaviours such as drink driving and driver fatigue.

"Since their inception in 1997 there have been significant reductions in fatal crashes over the holiday periods; including Christmas/New Year, Easter and long weekends.

“Mobile phone offences were added to the list of double demerit point penalties in December 2015, with the aim of deterring this dangerous and distracting behaviour.

"Drivers should be warned they are at greatest risk of losing their licence during this period.  There will be more Police on the roads and therefore more chance of getting caught and losing points.

"Driving over the speed limit to save a couple of minutes, pushing on driving when you are tired, using your mobile phone whilst behind the wheel and driving after a few drinks isn't worth the risk of not arriving at all.

"I ask all drivers to remain vigilant over the Easter holiday period.  We all have a part to play in reducing the amount of crashes and risks.  Remember to slow down, schedule plenty of breaks during your trip, limit distractions in the car, don’t drink and drive and ensure all your passengers are wearing their seatbelts," Ms Suitor said.