Double demerit points apply again this long weekend

28/9/06
Police and Community Safety Minister John Kobelke today reminded road users that double demerit points would apply from midnight tonight (Thursday) until midnight on Monday, (Oct 2).
Mr Kobelke said double demerit points would apply to speeding, drink driving and not wearing seat belts.
They would also apply to carrying passengers in the open load spaces of trucks and utilities and in the back of panel vans.
The Minister said double demerit points were made a feature of long weekends and holiday periods towards the end of 2004, after the results of a two-year trial showed the move had saved lives.
He said research commissioned by the Road Safety Council showed fatal crashes fell by 20 per cent during the double demerit periods and overall crashes by 11 per cent.
Speed-related crashes fell by 52 per cent, alcohol-related fatal crashes by 54 per cent and seat belt-related crashes by seven per cent.
"Road Safety Council research also shows double demerits are strongly supported by the community, with 73 per cent of drivers saying they had modified their driving behaviour when double demerit points applied," Mr Kobelke said.
"This was backed by police who, despite increasing their presence on the roads during double demerit periods, issued fewer infringements.
"The number of fatalities stands at 140 - 27 more than at the same time last year, so I implore all road users to take extra care and adhere to all the road rules.
"We should all aim to have a fatality and serious injury-free long weekend on our roads."
Minister's office - 9222 9211