Local state police, alongside Traffic and Highway Patrol officers, conducted Operation Compliance 4 on Wednesday (September 10) and targeted school zone offences including speeding, using mobile phones and seatbelt offences.
Weekday mornings are the busiest time around school zones and this is where a number of crashes occur each day. With many school-aged children walking to school in the warmer conditions, this is an area of real concern for authorities.
A total of 1,023 people were caught around schools breaking the law. This included 934 for using their mobile phone and 308 for not wearing a seatbelt. Despite the heavy police presence around schools, NSW police were surprised with the number of motorists who were willing to break the law.
NSW Police Traffic & Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner John Hartley, explained the focus of school zone operations is to ensure the safety of children, parents, teachers and support staff.
“To have drivers double parking, speeding or using phones whilst driving in school zones poses a significant threat to safety,” he said.
“Traffic and Highway Patrol will continue to run similar operations to ensure all motorists get the message; distraction, speed and not wearing a seatbelt puts yourself and others at serious risk on our roads.”
So far in 2014, 228 people have lost their lives on NSW roads – 2 per cent more than the same time last year. In September alone, the road toll is up 160 per cent.
NSW car accident compensation
If you are involved in a car accident in NSW around a school zone and suffer a whiplash injury or 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 around the accident.
These lawyers operate on a no win no fee basis so they can advise you on your chances for success free of charge – if they think you have a case, it’s completely up to you whether you engage their services.