With NSW heading into the Labour Day long weekend as well as hosting the NRL Grand Final, the coming days will be especially busy on state roads. As such, the chance of a serious car accident is much greater and drivers will have to take more care transiting around the region.
In light of the busy weekend, NSW Police are planning to conduct Operation Slow Down. Starting at 12.01am on Friday October 2, there will be an increased police presence until 11.59pm on Monday 5 October.
What will police be looking out for?
Of course, with more vehicles on the road, the main issues for police involve speed, drugs and alcohol. However, driver distraction, fatigue and seatbelts will also be under the microscope over the long weekend.
It is important to note that double demerit points could be issued to any driver who breaks breaks the speed limit or fails to comply with seatbelt rules.
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner, Specialist Operations, Catherine Burn, explained in a September 30 media statement that motorists need to look after each other out on the road this weekend.
"While police will be out in force patrolling major roads across the state, the simple fact is we can't be behind the wheel or in the passenger seat of every vehicle," she said.
"So far this year, 259 people have been killed on our roads, that's 26 more deaths than this time last year, and 26 more families grieving the loss of a loved one."
NSW experienced its equal lowest October long weekend since 1950 last year, highlighting improved driver behaviour compared to recent years. However, Acting Executive Director Centre for Road Safety, Bernard Carlon, said this is not a time for motorists to sit on their laurels.
"We'll have families heading back from school holiday breaks, many pedestrians outside clubs and pubs for the footy grand finals and lots of traffic as people get away for the long weekend including those travelling on motorcycles, so we need everyone to show courtesy, be patient and prioritise safety," he said.
NSW car accident compensation
If you are involved in a car accident in NSW over the long weekend and suffer a whiplash injury or something worse, you could be eligible for compensation. The motor accident compensation scheme extends to most motorists including drivers and pedestrians.
It is important to contact a car accident compensation lawyer as soon as you are well enough. They can offer advice about your possible claim and discuss the circumstances surrounding the accident. For more information, contact our team today.
