Three high ranking NT Police officers will roll up their sleeves this afternoon and donate blood to launch Operation Crossroads and raise awareness of road trauma and injury over the traditionally busy Easter period.

The campaign is the first of an ongoing series of co-coordinated road safety initiatives to reduce road trauma across Australia and New Zealand. It focuses on drink/drug driving, speeding, traffic infringements and licence offences. The operation will run across Australia and New Zealand, commencing on Thursday 21st April and will conclude in the evening on 26 April.

NT Police will be providing a high profile police presence throughout Darwin and regional areas during the course of the national campaign; focussing on drink driving, speeding and general traffic offences.

More than 27,000 blood donations are needed every week to treat road trauma victims, cancer patients, burns victims, unborn babies and people experiencing chronic and debilitating illnesses.. For this reason, police are giving their blood to make sure that people think about the impact of their actions on friends, families and others while travelling on our roads. It is also heighten awareness for the need for blood donors.

Commander Kate Vanderlaan, of the Traffic and Specialist Services Command, said NT Police will be out in force over the six day break.

"The Easter long weekend is a perfect opportunity for families to travel out of town and enjoy the Territory lifestyle; however, if you plan to drink and drive expect to get pulled over."

"We are anticipating a large amount of motorists travelling out of town during the long weekend and will be conducting RBTs and high profile patrols on urban and rural roads."

"NT Police are aiming for a fatality free Easter and are urging all Territorians to take care and have a safe and enjoyable break" she said.

The Blood Donor Centre opening hours are available at www.donateblood.com.au or by calling 13 14 95.

Make a booking and personally save up to three lives this Easter long weekend.

Rickie Scoot

8985 8837

0458 307 870