With more people dying on our roads in the first six months of this year than the same period last year, NSW Highway Patrol officers are urging South Coast motorists to end road deaths.
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Traffic and Highway Patrol officers are appealing to road users to share the responsibility of ending the tragic loss of life on NSW roads as the road toll in Southern Region continues to rise.
The region’s road toll currently sits at 53, 18 more than this time last year, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said.
Operation SouthForce is focused on driving down the road toll across the region.
“We are almost halfway through the year and we already have 18 deaths more than the same time last year,” Mr Corboy said.
“This tragic - and often avoidable loss of life - impacts entire communities and we’re appealing for everyone to share the message of responsible driving and wise judgement on the roads.
"Given the current road toll in southern NSW, those using the Hume and Princes Highways and other road users on roads in Wollongong, Lake Illawarra and Shoalhaven Local Area Commands need to take extra care, which is the focus of this joint operation.”
Mr Corboy said officers would be out in force, interacting with road users and ensuring speed limits are respected and all drivers and passengers have the proper restraints.
“We know that speeding, drink or drug driving, not wearing a seat belt or proper helmet, driving fatigued or being distracted by a mobile phone are all factors which can lead to serious injury and fatal crashes on our roads," he said.
"We want those drivers using southern roads for holiday, work, education, or day-to-day activities to get to and from their destinations safely, rather than becoming another sad statistic on our roads."
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Troy Grant said the government would not cease in its goal to reach a zero road toll.
“As our winter tourist destinations reach their peak in the coming weeks, the NSW Government urges all road users to drive safely, responsibly and considerately,” Mr Grant said.
“It is tragic to see the road toll in this region rising, despite our best efforts to warn the community about the consequences of dangerous driver behaviour.”
So far this year, 182 people have died on NSW roads, nine fewer than last year.
Last year 157 people died on NSW roads because someone was driving too fast, 83 people died because someone was too tired to drive, and 59 people died because someone got behind the wheel drunk.
