Motorists in Australia are urged not to drink and drive this long weekend and reminded double demerits will be in force.
The Road Safety Commission has made the plea as the Australia Day holiday period gets underway – traditionally a time when families and friends get together, often over a few drinks.
Double demerits will be in place through to Monday, January 27 and police will have a large presence on the roads.
The Commission says roads, especially to and from popular holiday destinations, will be busier than usual and has called for drivers to be extra-vigilant.
Drivers are urged not to drive tired or distracted and not to get behind the wheel after drinking.
The following offences are subject to double demerits during the long weekend:
- Drink or drug driving
- Failing to wear a seatbelt and child restraint
- Running a red light
- Illegal use of a mobile phone while driving
- Speeding
- Driving a motor vehicle fitted with a device designed to evade detection by a speed camera (14 points during double demerits period)
- Driving a motor vehicle in a manner to evade detection by a speed camera (14 points during double demerits period).
