With an increase in traffic on roads due to school holidays and the October long weekend, local residents be warned:
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speed or fail to wear your seatbelt and you will incur double demerit points.
And the same applies to motorcyclists who fail to wear helmets.
Parkes Shire Councils' Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that double demerit points will be in force for four days commencing this Friday (October 3) and ending on Monday (October 6, inclusive).
“Double demerit points have proven to be an effective road safety initiative to make holiday travel safer for everyone on New South Wales' roads,” Ms Suitor said.
“Since their introduction in 1997 there has been a significant reduction in crashes over holiday periods.
“Driving over the speed limit to save a couple of minutes, pushing on driving when you are tired, answering your mobile phone whilst behind the wheel and driving after a few drinks isn't worth the risk of not arriving at all,” she stressed.
Key double demerit points that will be in force are:
• Exceed the speed limit by 10km/h and under (2 points)
• Exceed the speed limit by over 10km/h (6 points)
• Exceed the speed limit by over 20km/h (8 points)
• Exceed the speed limit by over 30km/h (10 points)
• Exceed the speed limit by over 45km/h (12 points)
• Driver not wearing his/her own seatbelt (6 points)
• Driver penalty for each passenger not wearing a seatbelt (6 points)
• Rider on a motorcycle not wearing his/her own helmet (6 points)
• Rider penalty for passenger on a motorcycle not wearing a helmet (6 points)
Ms Suitor is encouraging all road users to remain vigilant.
“Drivers should be warned that they are at greatest risk of losing their licence during this four day period.
“There will be more Police on the roads and therefore more chance of getting caught and losing points.
“People may think that it is never going to happen to them – but the statistics tell a different story,” Ms Suitor pointed out.
“The increase in traffic increases the risk of crashes occurring but we all have a part to play in reducing the number of crashes and risks.
“Remember to slow down, schedule plenty of breaks during your trip, don’t drink and drive, limit distractions in the car and ensure all your passengers are wearing their seatbelt.”
