Police are urging all motorists to concentrate on the roads as Operation Crossroads comes to a conclusion.

While there were many examples of responsible driving, police detected a significant number of offences for speeding, inattentive driving and mobile phone use.

“With the Easter Operation Crossroads concluded, police would like to congratulate the majority of road users. It’s disappointing however, to see the number of infringement notices issued over
the Easter period and the number of people that were put at risk by driving behaviours that involve distraction,” said Acting Inspector Justin Lawson.
“During Operation Crossroads 632 infringement notices were issued for speeding offences and 35 for mobile phone offences. That text message or phone call can wait. If you are driving, leave
your phone alone.”
“Excessive speed and inattention are the two largest contributors to fatal and serious injury crashes on our roads.”
“I urge every driver and rider to slow down, obey the speed limit and remember that it’s not just your life you could be putting on the line. Everyone is keen to get away for that Easter break but it’s not worth risking your life and that of other road users, just for the sake of arriving a few minutes earlier at your destination.”
During the Operation Crossroads period from 1 to 6 April, there was 1 fatal crash and 3 serious injury crashes on our roads.
“Every death and serious injury on our roads is one too many. The life-long impression on everyone involved in a crash is devastating. From their families, their friends and loved ones to
the first responders attending the scene. The far reaching impacts can be very distressing.”

All motorists are reminded of the ‘fatal five’ contributing factors to fatal and serious injury crashes:
• Seatbelts – Buckle up every person in the vehicle, seatbelts save lives.
• Speeding – Obey the speed limit, it’s there for a reason
• Alcohol/drugs – Never drive after drinking or taking drugs, you’ll be putting more than your
life on the line.
• Distractions – Pay attention, one moment of distraction is all it takes to cause a crash.
• Fatigue – Rest if you’re tired, arriving late is better than not arriving at all.

“Although Operation Crossroads has concluded, police remain committed to improving driver behaviour by maintaining regular patrols on urban and rural roads. You never know where the
police may be, that car behind you could be an unmarked police vehicle,” Acting Inspector Lawson said.