Police will use social media to spread the driver safety message for the Easter long-weekend.
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Double demerit points are in place on NSW roads until midnight on Monday, April 6.
Police will be out in force during the long-weekend as part of an Easter traffic campaign called Operation Tortoise, but they will also be on Twitter spreading #Sharetosurvive.
Share to survive is the message for the long-weekend, after 28 people died from car crashes across the state in March.
“While police will be out in force over the long weekend, it is ultimately up to the people behind the wheel, controlling the bike or crossing the roads to keep themselves and those around them safe,” NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said.
“We’re asking everyone to share the message, to share the responsibility.
“To help you share the message each day of the long weekend we will be posting a road safety message on Twitter and we want you to read it and share it.
“The message might save you or your loved ones from injury or even worse.
“It’s up to parents, to brothers and sisters, and to friends, to share the conversation about driving safely. It could be your life in their hands.”
He said all road users, whether they are motorists, pedestrians or cyclists, need to share the responsibility for road safety.
Police are also concerned about the number of motorists being detected drug driving, including an increase in the use of the drug Ice.
Just last week the Hunter drug bus came to Maitland and as part of the operation 18 people were arrested driving under the influence.
Highway patrol Senior Sergeant Tony Grace said the entire fleet of patrol cars would be on the roads from today.
“We want drivers to stick to the speed limits and drive for the conditions,” Senior Sergeant Grace said.
“Anyone drinking alcohol over the weekend needs to have a plan to get home and we want to remind people to wear their seatbelts.”
Traffic delays can be expected on all arterial roads and Senior Sergeant Grace asked drivers to be patient when stuck in traffic.
He also reminded people with caravans and campers to drive to the capabilities of their vehicles.
Double trouble:
- Driver not wearing a seatbelt - 6 points
- Exceed speed under 10km/h - 2 points
- Exceed speed over 10km/h - 8 points
- Using a mobile phone - 8 points