The Premier of NSW, Minister for Police, and the NSW Police Deputy Commissioner officially launched Operation Slow Down on September 28.
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It is the Labour Day long-weekend road safety enforcement campaign, with the theme of ‘Choose your ride.’
Do you want to end up in a police car, an ambulance, or even a hearse?
Operation Slow Down begins just after midnight (12.01am Friday September 29) and concludes at 11.59pm on Monday October 2 .
Double-demerits will be in force throughout the operation.
From September 29 there will be more police on roads targeting drivers for dangerous behaviours, including, speeding, drink and drug-driving, mobile phone use, and not wearing seat belts.
It follows a new Facebook road safety campaign is being implemented to encourage drivers to stay safe and avoid accidents as they take off for the long weekend.
Australian Trucking Association (ATA) CEO, Ben Maguire, says extra traffic is expected on the roads as people head off for the break, and is reminding road users that truck drivers will still be hard at work.
“Everyone is keen to get on with their journey, but safety has to come first,” he said. “We all have an obligation to be patient and share the road, so a little understanding from all drivers will go a long way.
“There will be plenty more vehicles on the road, so always use common sense and be cautious. If you don’t feel up to driving, if you’re tired or feeling unwell, take a break, or let another driver takeover”.
Mr Maguire says that drivers planning a getaway this long weekend should check the ATA’s Facebook page for updates, video content and top tips.
These include:
- Don’t rush: enjoy the journey as well as the destination.
- Stick to speed limits and take regular breaks.
- Factor in plenty of time and take regular breaks along the way no matter how far you are travelling.
“Remember also that truckies will still be out there on the roads working, so taking it easy will make everyone safer and help them do their job,” he said.
Light vehicles are found to be at fault in over 80 percent of fatal multi-vehicle crashes involving a heavy vehicle.
- A few simple tips for motorists to keep safe on the roads and make the drive a little easier for truckies include:
- Don’t cut in front of trucks. Truck drivers leave a large gap between their vehicle and the car in front because a heavy vehicle needs almost twice as much room to brake as a car.
- Stay out of truck blind spots – if you can’t see the truck’s mirrors, the driver can’t see you.
- Leave room for trucks to get in and out of roadside rest areas. Truckies are required by law to take rest breaks, but may not be able to if other road users are parked too close to the entrance or exit of a rest area.
