Yesterday the Road Safety Commissioner, Adrian Warner and Commander Mike Bell, Road Policing Command, reminded the public that Double demerits will be in force over the Easter break from Thursday 28 March to Monday 1 April 2024.
Double demerits apply to the following offences:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Failing to wear a seatbelt or child restraint
- Running a red light
- Illegal use of a mobile phone while driving
While demerits are doubled, fines are not.
Holiday periods are a risky time on our roads. There are more vehicles on the road and it can take longer than usual to get to your destination. Frustration levels are higher.
Over the past five years (2019-2023) there have been 10 fatalities during the Easter double demerit period, an average of two each year.
The Commissioner emphasised the importance of making safe choices behind the wheel.
“We all have control over our choices when we get behind the wheel of a car and bad choices can kill.” he said.
“I want more people to make the safe choice more often.
Make the safe choice to ignore that mobile phone.
Make the safe choice to keep your seatbelt on and check that children are correctly restrained.
Make the safe choice to stop and take a break when you are tired.
Most importantly, make the safe choice to slow down and drive at or under the speed limit” the Commissioner said.
“If we all make safer choices, we will save lives”, he added.
For more information about common driving offences and Double Demerits visit our Double Demerits page.
Picture: Commander Mike Bell, Road Policing Command and Road Safety Commissioner, Adrian Warner
