Police have been shocked by the reckless behavior of some motorists despite warnings to slow down and drive safely over the holiday period.
Although there were less fatalities during this year’s traffic enforcement campaign ‘Operation Slowdown’ than over the same period as last year (three compared to 2011’s five), Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith, Operations Commander of the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, said police were disappointed with the shameful irresponsibility demonstrated by some drivers.
“Even though we made it clear that extra police would be on the roads and double demerit points would be in place, some drivers ignored all of the warnings and put lives at risk,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
“Anyone who flouts the law while behind the wheel of a car not only puts their own life in danger, they threaten the safety of other road users.
“We will continue to conduct numerous proactive operations over the coming months to get reckless drivers off NSW roads before they hurt themselves or others.”
Prior to the long weekend, at around 7.10pm last Tuesday, September 25, on the Pacific Highway at Cooperabung a car and pushbike rider, both travelling south, collided. The male cyclist died at the scene
The crash closed the highway for a short time, and reduced the Pacific Highway to one lane for most of the night, with queues of 2.5km in both directions at times.
Another collision involved a car and truck near Ferry Street, Macksville at about 12.50am on Saturday, September 29.
As a result of the impact the prime mover mounted the kerb of Egan Street and came to rest after hitting the front of a house. There were no reports of injury. The 42-year-old male driver of the car and 59-year-old male truck driver were breath tested at the scene with a negative result.
