Fire and Rescue District Officer, Rob Trewartha, wants a fatality free Christmas and says for that to happen, drivers need to take responsibility for their actions.
"If your own safety, and that of other road users is not a good enough reason, then you should know that the police will use every means at their disposal to enforce the road rules in an effort to keep people safe.
"We see all too often the effects of what driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs leads too. There is nothing festive about cutting an intoxicated person out of a car because they got behind the wheel after a night on the town, it only takes a split second for a night to end in tragedy.
"Our Territory road toll currently stands at 45, compared to 29 this time last year. Let's not see this increase - one less crash is a positive result for everyone.
"It is not worth risking your life, or the lives of others, by getting behind the wheel under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Nominate yourself to be the Sober Bob for the night or take advantage of the Christmas Express and get home safely," he said.
For the first time in history, all Federal, State and Territory police agencies will join with New Zealand Police to embark on a co-ordinated Australian and New Zealand operation to target road users in the lead up to Christmas.
Codenamed Operation RAID, its aim is to make Australia and New Zealand's roads safer this Christmas by removing and deterring alcohol and drug impaired drivers.
Operation Raid is a joint initiative of Commissioners across Australia and New Zealand to draw attention to the broader implications associated with drink/drug driving.
Motorists are being reminded that alcohol and drugs are major contributors to increases in road trauma and that improved driver behaviour will save lives.
Operation RAID 2010 will focus on increasing driver awareness and journey planning and will see police deployed in highly visible operations targeting drug and alcohol impaired drivers. Police strategies will include an increase in random breath and drug testing to positively influence driver behaviour.
Today's launch of Operation Raid is timed to coincide with the festive season which traditionally sees an increase in the consumption of alcohol and drugs.
Australian and New Zealand spokesperson, Mr Karl O'Callaghan, Commissioner of Police for Western Australia, speaking from the launch in Canberra today said, "Road safety is everybody's responsibility. We would like all motorists to plan ahead before getting behind the wheel in order to not become a statistic this Christmas."
"Alcohol is consistently in the top three causes of road trauma, along with speeding and failing to wear seatbelts. This operation will be targeted and specifically aimed at removing as many drink and drug drivers as possible from our roads."
Operation RAID will involve saturating targeted locations and no motorist will be exempt from the operation. All road users are encouraged to make alternative transport arrangements such as nominating a designated driver or using public transport or taxis when alcohol has been consumed.
Australian and New Zealand statistics confirm that substance impairment is a major factor in road trauma. Alcohol continues to be the single biggest contributor in serious crashes.
About a quarter of fatal crashes on Australian roads involve drivers or riders with blood alcohol levels above the legal limit (Australian Transport Council, 2008).
A five-year study by ESR in New Zealand revealed that of 1046 drivers who died between 2004 and 2009 (89 per cent of drivers who died in that period) 48 per cent tested positive for alcohol or drugs (Poulsen, 2010).
The operation will run from 26 November to 12 December 2010.
Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services wish everyone a safe and happy festive season and urge motorists to take care on our roads and drive to the conditions.
This is in conjunction with Transport Minister, Gerry McCarthy promoting the Sober Bob campaig
Media Contact
Sarah Trinne
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