To ensure everyone arrives home safely these holidays, police are calling for backseat drivers to do their part and speak up, in order to save lives.
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The unorthodox approach follows an alarming increase in passenger deaths when compared to last year.
Tragically, 76 of the 367 lives lost on NSW roads were passengers, who are often innocent victims to road trauma. This number is an increase of 24 passengers killed in crashes when compared to last year.
Operation Safe Arrival started at midnight on December 15, and will continue 11.59 pm on New Years Day, with double demerits in place for all speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle-helmet offences.
Deputy Commissioner Specialist Support, Catherine Burn, said passengers play a major role in keeping themselves, their drivers, and other road-users safe these holidays.
“In my view, one of the most tragic statistics is that 76 of the people who have died this year were passengers in vehicles. This is an especially tragic statistic, because it shows that innocent people are dying on our roads because of the poor decisions of people behind the wheel.
“During Operation Safe Arrival, we want everyone to remember not to let safety take a backseat.
“The message is simple, everyone needs to do their part and look out for each other, so that everyone can arrive home safely,” Deputy Commissioner Burn said.
Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Melinda Pavey said people across NSW should enjoy the holidays but urged both drivers and passengers to play their part in making sure everyone arrives at their destination.
“The Christmas and New Year holiday period is a wonderful time of the year, but the silly season isn’t an excuse to be silly. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and have a nap, don’t push on,,” Mrs Pavey said.
NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dominic Morgan said paramedics approached the holiday season dreading the inevitable call to a road tragedy.
“Road accidents are among the worst jobs our paramedics get called out to.
“Tragically, it’s not uncommon for our paramedics to treat young children after a family road trip has gone horribly wrong.
“The best present you can give your family this Christmas is your safe arrival,” Commissioner Morgan said.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Assistant Commissioner, Paul McGuiggan urged people to take extra care when driving.
“This year alone FRNSW crews have attended more than 2,000 crashes on NSW roads where drivers or passengers were injured or needed to be extracted from vehicles,” he said.
“Some of these people have suffered horrific injuries and some have tragically died. Lives have been forever altered by crashes that could have been avoided.
“Drive safely over the holidays, so we don’t have to rescue you from a wreckage this Christmas.”