Police road safety presence remains over ANZAC Day long weekend

Officer in Charge of Traffic Services Branch, Superintendent Shane Johnson said unfortunately one life was lost on Thursday, 10 people were seriously injured and whilst overall detections were slightly lower, many drivers still made unsafe choices.

“Overall, it is pleasing to see fewer detections across the Fatal Five categories this year, however speeding remains an issue, with 925 detections,” Superintendent Johnson said.

“When you’re driving this long weekend, keep an eye on your speed, it’s easy to creep over the speed limit if you get complacent.”

Operation Safe Long Weekend was conducted state-wide from Thursday 17 to Monday 21 April, returning road safety offences including:

• 78 Drink driving
• 81 Drug driving
• 925 Speeding
• 28 Distraction
• 303 Dangerous driving
• 24 Seatbelt

An incident of note involved a 31-year-old Two Wells man who was detected drug driving, travelling at 156km/h in a 110km/h speed zone and driving unlicenced on Thursday 17 April. He was issued with a six-month Immediate Loss of Licence and expiations for driving whilst unlicensed and at excessive speed. Depending on forensic analysis of the drug test, he may be summonsed to court.

“Police will continue to deliver a strong presence throughout the ANZAC Day long weekend with two operations running to ensure the safety of all road users,” Superintendent Johnson added.

Operation Safe Long Weekend will target the Fatal Five road safety offences categories while Operation Stop Drink Drug Drive will see RBTs and drug testing stations active state-wide from Thursday 25 to Sunday 27 April.

“Although there will be stationary random breath testing sites around the state, remember every police car has this equipment so stop yourself before we stop you.”