Police are pleading with motorists to take extra care on the roads during the high-risk Christmas period as Operation Roadwise commences.
The state wide road policing operation will kick off on Friday, December 15, and conclude on January 1.
The state has seen the highest number of lives lost this year in 15 years, surging to 279, surpassing the 241 total for all of last year.
Police said this year’s operation is running for an extra six days to cover the New Year period with police providing highly visible enforcement on major arterial roads and highways.
Alcohol and drug testing will be a focus, with police intelligence showing there is an increase in the number of drivers recording low-range drink driving readings (0.05 – 0.069 BAC) in December.
With Operation Roadwise extended to 18 days this year, police are anticipating thousands more motorists will undergo roadside alcohol and drug testing.
Motorists are being urged to separate drinking and driving by planning ahead, arranging a designated driver or arranging alternative transport.
Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said, “we’re urging everyone to make road safety a priority during the festive period, the last place you want to end up this Christmas is in a hospital, or worse, as a result of road trauma.”
