State Government to extend double demerits over holiday period

23/03/03
Double demerit points for drink driving, speeding and failing to wear seat belts will be in force for the 11-day period from Easter to the Anzac long weekend.
Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts said road safety authorities and the police were preparing for the campaign to be extended from Thursday, April 17 through to Sunday, April 27.
Mrs Roberts made the announcement while launching the new Driver Training and Education Centre (DTEC), which will be developed at the Perth International Airport.
"Extending the double demerit period makes good sense, because the Anzac Day holiday follows so closely after Easter," she said.
"Many people will take the opportunity to have an extended holiday break and travel away. More cars on the road mean increased crash risks.
"Speeding and drinking and driving are two of the major causes of deaths and serious injuries on our roads and not wearing a seat belt increases your chance of dying in a road crash by 10 times."
Mrs Roberts confirmed that the evaluation of the 13-month trial of double demerit points would begin after the Anzac weekend. Double demerits would also occur during the Foundation Day long weekend, while the Road Safety Council fully evaluated the trial and made a recommendation to Government.
As before, only the demerit points for speeding, drink driving and not wearing a seatbelt will be doubled, the fines will remain the same.
"Without pre-empting that evaluation from the Road Safety Council, we know that drivers who do take risks are more likely to re-assess their driving behaviour during double demerit times," Mrs Roberts said.
"The double demerit system is making a valuable contribution to saving lives by generating considerable discussion about road safety in the community which in turn makes more drivers think about taking a safer approach."
Minister's office: 9213 6600