Police targeting four behaviours that lead to road fatalities

“Any death on the roads is one too many – our hearts go out to anyone who has lost a loved one this year."

Central Districts road policing manager Phillip Ward says police will continue to target four behaviours that contribute to road deaths as drivers are urged to take care on the roads over the holidays.

As of the beginning of the month, there had been 32 road deaths in the region this year.

That is less than last year’s 38 but the same figure as in 2022 and higher than 2020 and 2021, which both had 29.

There had been a road fatality every month of the year, with six in November.

Ward said police were committed to reducing death and serious injury by continuing to target the four common behaviours connected to road deaths: driving distracted, driving without restraints, driving while impaired by drugs, alcohol or fatigue and driving at excess speed.

“Any death on the roads is one too many – our hearts go out to anyone who has lost a loved one this year," Ward said.

Police ran Operation Rudolf recently, targeting drunk drivers.

During the eight-night operation, 50 drivers were apprehended for drink-driving, five vehicles were impounded, 20 were ordered off the road and 20 drivers were apprehended for breaching their license.

Meanwhile, seven of the road fatalities in the region have been in zones with a 50km speed limit.

“People don’t realise how quickly things go wrong, and unfortunately, we have the statistics to prove it,” Ward said.

“We want everyone to get where they’re going safely this festive season.

“If you’re driving this Christmas, take care and make sure you get to your destination safely.”