6 Apr 2006 - Operation Northroads Begins This Weekend

Police will be using all available resources to target dangerous driving behaviour on the Pacific Highway and local roads over the Easter school holidays.

Operation Northroads begins this Friday, 7 April, to coincide with the Queensland school holidays and continues until 1 May when NSW schools return. Double demerits will also be in force during the Easter weekend and Anzac Day holiday

"Many families will be travelling long distances this holiday and we're encouraging them to follow some simple rules to make sure that they arrive safely," said Anne Shearer, Council's Road Safety Officer.

Drivers should:

Plan their journeys and allow for regular breaks.
Take notice of signs of fatigue and stop or change drivers.
Avoid driving at times when the body's circadian rhythms are low and drivers are therefore more likely to fall asleep. This is between 10pm and 6am at night and between 1pm and 3pm in the afternoon.
Ensure that their vehicle is roadworthy before they set out.
Remain alert and aware of all traffic when driving. Scan well ahead and all around to ensure there is the maximum time to react to problems. Also encourage passengers to be extra sets of eyes.
Ask their passenger to change stations on the radio, answer the phone and adjust the temperature, so they can give their full attention to the road.
Prepare some activities for children so that they are not restless and a possible distraction.

More information about road safety and long trips, including the latest traffic information and a trip calculator, can be obtained from the RTA website at www.rta.nsw.gov.au.

RTA traffic information is also available by contacting 132 701.

Further Information:

Sara Hinds, Media Officer, 6648 4093/0407 227818