Over 50 Territory road crash responders including support staff will be giving blood today to mark the start of National Operation Crossroads.

Staff from Police, Fire and Rescue, Emergency Services and St John Ambulance will make up the blood donation schedule at the Casuarina, Red Cross Blood Bank.

Deputy Police Commissioner, Shayne Maines said giving blood this Christmas may be the most significant Christmas present of all.

“Health officials advise it can take more than 18 litres of blood to save the life of one serious crash victim (40 units).

“This is not a surprise to the responders who attend serious and traumatic road crash scenes.

“No one wants any more road fatalities particularly during the Christmas and New Year season, nor do we want any more crashes many of which are avoidable and can leave people seriously injured, recovering in hospital and traumatising their families.

“The NT Police traffic enforcement part of the National Operation Crossroads commences tomorrow.

“There will be a zero tolerance approach to those drink driving, speeding, not wearing seatbelts and all other illegal driver behaviour.

“However, responsible driving and road safety awareness needs community support to be effective.

“Make sure your Christmas party guests don’t get behind the wheel after drinking, ensure your passengers are appropriately restrained, don’t let children ride on the road unsupervised on their new Christmas push bike. Plan your trips and work out before you go out how will you get home on New Year’s Eve if you are having a few drinks?” Deputy Commissioner Maines concluded.

This Christmas Operation Crossroads is the second following the successful National Operation conducted over Easter 2011.

It officially commences on 23 December until 03 January to coincide with the National Christmas period road toll recording period.

The current Northern Territory road toll for 2011 is 42 lives lost compared to 47 for the same time last year.

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Michael Holland
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