Officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Southern Region, have called for more vigilance on the roads, after over 70 people were issued infringement notices over the weekend.

From Thursday 5 November to Sunday 8 November 2015, THWP officers conducted road patrols Wagga, as leading up to, and as part of, Operation Drink Drive.

During the four days, 40 people were detected allegedly under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs.

Local police conducted 3075 breath tests and 55 drug tests; with 72 infringement notices issued.

Fourteen of those infringement notices were for speeding offences.

Year-to-date statistics show that five people have died in crashes in the Wagga Wagga Local Area Command, which is two more than at the same time last year.

Senior Sergeant Wayne McLachlan, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Southern Region Riverina Cluster, said the recent statistics were disappointing.

“The recent road statistics in the Wagga Wagga area show that road users are not taking the responsibility of holding a driver’s licence seriously, and are continually putting lives on the line while on the roads,” Senior Sergeant McLachlan said.

“The messages aren’t getting across to the community. To detect 40 people in only four days with alcohol or drugs in their system while on the roads is extremely concerning.

“We are doing everything we can to help prevent people dying on our roads, but police can only do so much.

“Motorists need to take responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to break the road rules, you will be caught,” he said.

The road toll in NSW to-date is 296, which is 29 more than at the same time last year.
In the lead-up to the festive season, police will continue to be out in force on the roads, with road safety operations planned through the holidays.

“I urge all motorists to think about how your family and friends would cope if you were killed or seriously injured in a collision,” Senior Sergeant McLachlan said.

“Don’t speed, don’t use alcohol or drugs and drive, don’t use mobile phones whilst driving and have rest breaks on long trips. Practice these easy rules and stay alive.”