Police are urging motorists to drive to conditions and take extra breaks this holiday period.
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Double demerits will be in place throughout Operation Safe Arrival beginning Friday, December 20 to Wednesday, January 1, 2020.
Police will be focusing on contributors to road trauma including fatigue, speed, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, not wearing a seatbelt, and distraction/inattention.
"The name of the operation reflects our goal - to ensure every road user arrives at their destination safely," Inspector of Young Police Jacob Reeves said.
"We will especially focus on the 'fatal five' contributors to road trauma which are fatigue, speed, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, not wearing a seatbelt, and distraction or inattention.
"The characteristics of rural road crashes include higher travelling speeds causing a greater risk of fatal or serious injury in a crash and a high number of single vehicle crashes, especially cars leaving the roadway. Most crashes involve local residents. Only a small number involve visitors to the area."
Motorists are also urged to drive to road conditions rather than the speed limit, follow road rules, take regular breaks and be mindful of wildlife and stock.
"Young sector police want everyone starting or ending a journey in our area and everyone passing through our area to make it to their destination alive and without life changing injuries," Inspector Reeves said.
"We do not want to be standing on the side of the road at a fatal or serious injury crash nor knocking on someone's door to deliver news that will change lives forever."
Meanwhile, with a heatwave sweeping the region police issued a reminder of dangers of leaving children and pets alone in cars.
- On a typical summer day, the temperature inside a car can quickly rise above 50 to 60 degrees.
- Even on a relatively mild day, the temperature inside a car can get above 40 degrees.
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