Long weekend Double Demerits start tonight

2/3/06
Road users who break the law will accrue double demerit points from midnight tonight (Thursday, March 2) until midnight on Monday, March 6.
Police and Community Safety Minister John D'Orazio 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.
Mr D'Orazio said double demerit points were made a permanent 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.
"With the number of fatalities at 38 so far this year - 10 more than at the same time last year - I implore all road users to take extra care and adhere to all the road rules," he said.
"Road Safety Council research indicates that fatal crashes fall 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 by seven per cent.
"The research also shows that double demerits have strong community support, with 73 per cent of drivers saying they had modified their driving behaviour during double demerit periods.
"The police back this because, despite increasing their presence on the roads during double demerit periods, they issue fewer infringements.
"It would be great to see a fatality and serious-injury free long weekend on our roads."

Minister's office: 9213 7150