‘I WON’T GET CAUGHT’

Police out to change this driver attitude on region’s roads

POLICE presence on the state’s roads will increase over the next 12 weeks as Operation Merret gets underway.

The initiative not only targets unsafe road behaviours, but also encourages those doing the right thing.

Described as an “unorthodox” approach to road policing, officers involved in Operation Merret have been tasked with educating and empowering the public to make the right decisions.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy, said there had been too many lives lost in preventable tragedies this year on our roads.

“Motorists, passengers and pedestrians need to be accountable for the decisions they make that impact other road users,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.

“To prevent further serious injury or death on our roads, I implore every driver to take responsibility and ensure safety is their primary focus.

“Please slow down, wear your seatbelt, avoid handling mobile telephones, make certain you are adequately rested before driving, and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.”

Operation Merret comes as the Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF) released new research which reveals more than one in three NSW drivers admit they are more likely to break a road rule when driving on rural roads.

Furthermore, 58 per cent of those who confessed they were likely to break rules on rural roads would do so because they believe they are less likely to be caught by police.

ARSF Founder and CEO Russell White urged Australians to take ownership for their role in reducing the rural road toll.

“While there are a number of factors that contribute to the regional road toll, it’s everyday Australians that hold the key to safer roads,” Mr White said.

“We will continue to see a significant and unnecessary loss of life on regional roads until we make a collective effort to shift this mentality so that safety is front of mind for all road users.”

One in three drivers admit they’re more likely to break a road rule while on rural roads