31/05/2011
Independent Chair of the Road Safety Council, D’Arcy Holman, has reminded all motorists to keep their speed down when driving over the Foundation Day long weekend – and also advised that this long weekend is double demerits.
To encourage safe driving behaviour over the Foundation Day long weekend, drivers will incur double demerit points if caught drink or drug driving, speeding, failing to wear a seatbelt or carrying passengers in the open load space of a vehicle.
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NOTE - DOUBLE DEMERIT POINTS APPLY FROM MIDNIGHT LEADING INTO FRIDAY 3 JUNE UNTIL MIDNIGHT MONDAY 6 JUNE 2011
"To avoid double demerit points, remember don’t drink or drug drive, stay within the posted speed limit and make sure everyone is wearing a seat belt and not travelling in an open load space," Professor Holman said.
"Every year around 60 people are killed on WA roads because of excessive speed and many more are seriously injured."
"Either they themselves were speeding, were passengers in a speeding vehicle or were struck by speeding motorists.
"Please do not get behind the wheel if you have been drinking, also look out for others and urge them to seek alternative ways home if they plan on driving after they have been drinking. Call a taxi, take public transport, nominate a skipper before going out, ask a friend or family member who has not been drinking to pick you up or arrange to spend the night.
"Road safety is a shared responsibility – let’s work together this long weekend towards zero deaths and serious injuries over the holiday period," Professor Holman said.
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Media contact:
Elizabeth Jones, Office of Road Safety, 0417 939 743