NSW Police issued more than 14,000 infringement notices to drivers last month as part of Operation Go Slow, which took place over the ANZAC long weekend.
The annual initiative oversaw more than 196,660 breath tests and other checks in an attempt to educate drivers about road safety and prevent accidents.
Sadly, one fatality still occurred during the operation, although the figure was significantly lower than the eight deaths seen when Go Slow was conducted last year.
Motor accidents on the decline
According to NSW Police, motor accident fatalities have declined this year; there have been 105 deaths so far, compared with 120 at the same time in 2016.
However, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy of the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command said dangerous driving was still common on NSW roads, despite officers’ best efforts and the high number of infringement notices issued.
“It seems that despite our efforts to slow people down, many people still choose to drive dangerously on our roads,” he explained.
“While there was an increased police presence on the roads during this operation, we will continue giving out infringements to those who put themselves [and] others at risk, particularly with speeding.”
Of the 14,168 infringement notices issued, 5,663 were for speeding and 304 were for drink driving-related charges. There were 371 major motor accidents over the five-day operation.
Operation Go Slow incidents
Of the major incidents reported, one offence was an 18-year-old driver who was stopped for speeding. The individual, who only had a provisional licence, attracted police attention because he was allegedly travelling at 150 km per hour in a 100 km per hour zone.
His licence was suspended on the spot for driving more than 45 km per hour over the speed limit.
Another 18-year-old learner driver was pulled over for suspected drink driving. NSW Police claimed his breathalyser results returned a blood alcohol concentration reading of 0.100; learner drivers are not allowed a reading above 0.
“I want to remind all road users that as of today, most schools are back in full-swing, and we will be enforcing school zones in order to keep children safe,” said Assistant Commissioner Corboy.
“We make no apologies for issuing infringements and taking licences away from those who choose to do the wrong thing.”
Claiming compensation in NSW
People who suffer serious injuries as a result of motor accidents in NSW may be eligible for compensation under state laws.
If you have recently been involved in such an incident, please contact Gerard Malouf & Partners Compensation, Medical Negligence & Will Dispute Lawyers today for more information.
