Image source: NSW Police Force Facebook page
For the first time ever, the entire NSW Police Force Highway Patrol Fleet will feature high-visibility markings throughout its annual Christmas and New Year road-safety campaign.
Operation Safe Arrival starts today (Friday 19 December) and runs until 11.59pm Sunday (4 January 2015).
The entire highway patrol fleet – consisting of 388 patrol vehicles, 24 motorcycles, 22 crash investigation vehicles and two RBT trucks – will be out to enforce road safety and will now all display ‘high-visibility’ markings.
The bright, coloured markings will display the NSW Police Force logo and Highway Patrol branding, in order to deter poor driving behaviour.
Throughout the campaign, police will be targeting drink and drug driving, speeding, fatigue, seatbelt use, mobile-phone use and other types of dangerous driving.
Image source: NSW Police Force Facebook page
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner John Hartley said the markings and sheer volume of police on the roads will serve as a constant reminder to motorists to slow down and arrive safely.
“We want everyone to ensure drivers don’t take risks, and we will have the entire ‘high-vis’ NSW Highway Patrol out there to remind motorists of their responsibilities on the roads,” Assistant Commissioner Hartley said.
“This time last year 11 people died on the roads, which is tragically 11 families who won’t have a loved one with them this season.
“We want the message of ‘arrive safely’ to be the focus for drivers as they head away and return home these holidays – and the high-visibility markings on all our vehicles will reinforce that message,” Assistant Commissioner Hartley said.
Image source: NSW Police Force Facebook page
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Stuart Ayres said it is vital drivers heed the advice of police.
“I urge motorists to avoid risk-taking behaviour these holidays,” Mr Ayres said.
Police will be out in force targeting those who ignore the warnings and endanger themselves and others.”
Double demerits will be in place from Wednesday 24 December 2014 until Sunday 4 January 2015, for speeding, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences.
During Safe Arrival 2013 – 11 people died on the state’s roads, while there were 1750 major crashes resulting in 534 people injured