Police dismayed by driver behaviour after 12 killed in 11 days

Road users are continuing to take risks and disobey road rules to the detriment of themselves, their passengers and others, with 12 people killed on NSW roads in the past 11 days.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner John Hartley, said the figure is a reflection of the irresponsible behaviour some drivers are displaying on the roads.

“We have repeatedly urged and appealed to all road users to stay safe on the roads, drive to the conditions and obey all rules. Clearly, that message remains elusive to some drivers,” Assistant Commissioner Hartley said.

“Driving is a privilege and a responsibility. The tragic loss of 12 lives in 11 days shows that there are some out there who take neither seriously.”

“Speeding, drink-driving, non-compliance to seat belt or helmet use, distraction and fatigue all contribute to crashes that could end up in tragedy. A split-second decision could mean the difference between life and death and the impact is felt not just by those involved in the crash but by entire communities.”

“The recent fatalities are a clear illustration of the heartbreaking outcomes when people choose to engage in dangerous behaviour that puts both themselves and other road users at risk.

“That loss of life affects not only their loved ones, but the police and other emergency services who are confronted with road crashes on a daily basis.

“Everyone must take responsibility for their driver behaviour and in doing so help us to keep the community safe.”

“Operation Saturation will continue to focus on safe driving and we will have more officers in more locations more often to enforce the law and ensure all road users obey the law.”

Funded by NSW Centre for Road Safety, Operation Saturation is a high-visibility campaign which focuses on driving down the road toll.

The operation started on Tuesday 9 June 2015 and will continue until Monday 6 July 2015.

Fatal crashes:

24 June 2015 – A 72-year-old male driver and a 72-year-old female passenger died after their car and another collided head-on near Bulahdelah.

20 June 2015 – 37-year-old man died in hospital after being hit by a car.

A 34-year-old woman was later charged with dangerous driving cause death. She was given conditional bail and is due to appear at Goulburn Local Court on Wednesday 8 July 2015.

19 June 2015 – An 83-year-old female cyclist died after being struck by a car while cycling on Tumbi Creek Road at Berkeley Vale, on the state’s Central Coast.

19 June 2015 – A man in his 70s died after a collision between his utility and a semi trailer near Denman. The impact caused the utility to hit a tree.

19 June 2015 – A 44-year-old man died after being hit by a truck while walking along the Snowy Mountains Highway, Bemboka.

17 June 2015 – A 51-year-old Dover Heights man died after a head-on collision between a Mitsubishi Mirage and a Mitsubishi Pajero at North Bondi.

17 June 2015 – An 86-year-old Bowral man was struck by a Ford sedan while crossing the road at Bowral. He was taken to Bowral Hospital where he later died.

16 June 2015 – A woman who was involved in a crash on 19 May in Granville died as a result of her injuries at Westmead Hospital. The crash occurred on the M4, when her car left the road and hit a concrete barrier. The vehicle was then hit by an oncoming truck.

15 June 2015 – A 41-year-old man died after a single-vehicle crash on Sandgate Road, near Marion Street at Sandgate.

13 June 2015 – An 18-year-old Dubbo man died after the vehicle he was a passenger in left the road and hit a tree at Estella. The driver was seriously injured.