24/1/08
All road users are urged to do their part to keep the State’s roads safe across the Australia Day long weekend
Community Safety Minister John Kobelke has reminded all road users that they will accrue double demerit points from midnight tonight to midnight on Monday night.
The double demerit points apply to not wearing seatbelts, speeding and drink-driving. Not wearing a seat belt would also attract a $500 fine.
Mr Kobelke said 2008 had started in tragic circumstances with 13 people dying in just 17 days, nine of these in the first week alone.
“There have already been too many deaths on the roads this year, and we don’t want to see any more over this long weekend period,” he said.
“I urge all road users not to drink and drive, don’t speed and make sure they belt up.
“Pull over if you are feeling tired and be alert to what’s happening on the road around you at all times.”
The Minister said double demerit points would also apply to carrying passengers in open-load spaces of trucks and utilities and in the back of panel vans.
He said independent research commissioned by the Road Safety Council indicated that fatal crashes fell by 24 per cent during double-demerit periods between 2001 and 2006.
“A holiday should only be about creating good memories, drive safely on the roads and don’t let this long weekend be one to mourn,” he said.
“All road users should do all they can to avoid being the next road fatality statistic.”
Minister's Office - 9222 9211
