Significant road safety operations have been conducted in the Western District since Thursday.
Police will continue to focus on the fatal five: speeding, not wearing a seatbelt correctly, drink and drug driving, inattention, and fatigue, because these are the factors that are consistently present in serious and fatal crashes.
Inspector Adam Spencer of Western Road Policing Services said officers in the Western District had already conducted hundreds of breath tests since yesterday with two drink drivers, two drug drivers, and two disqualified drivers caught.
“This shows that most of our community are doing the right things on our roads. Police will hold to account the minority who don’t,” he said.
Inspector Spencer said that repeat offenders are a focus.
“The community should take confidence that we will continue to target people who habitually put others at risk. On Thursday night, Wynyard Police Officers conducted two breath tests – and caught two drink drivers,” he said.
“One of the person’s breath alcohol readings was very high – 0.229 and it was that person’s second offence. They received an on-the-spot disqualification for 2-years.”
“If you are a repeat offender who is considering doing the wrong thing again – don’t. It is highly likely you are on our list of targets,”
“On Friday afternoon, extensive operations were conducted by our Western Road Policing officers around Devonport and Latrobe. At a testing site on River Road, Latrobe, a drink driver, a drug driver, and a disqualified driver were all caught between 1pm and 3pm”
Inspector Spencer also praised the work of Operation Scelus for their work so far over the Easter period.
“Operation Scelus target criminal and road safety offenders in the Western District.. Last night they stopped two vehicles that had drugs on board with one of the drivers refusing to undertake drug testing. The same driver has also been charged with being in unlawful possession of property.”
“The community should be aware that the penalties for driver’s refusing drug or alcohol testing are significant.”
Inspector Spencer said that operations would continue throughout the north-west over the entire Easter period.
“All of our Western District police officers will continue to work tonight, tomorrow and every day over the Easter period. You won’t know where they will be or when. Be kind to them if they pull you up – they are just looking out for you and trying to keep our community safe.”
“Everyone should drive like a police vehicle is behind them.”