DRIVERS speeding over the holiday break will receive more than hefty fines and loss of demerit points off their licences.
Their trips will be slowed considerably as they sit by the side of the road for a lecture from police.
“We’ve been instructed by our District Officer to take extra time roadside when offences are detected to engage with drivers and explain our current situation on the roads, the increased accidents, injuries and deaths,” Warwick Police Constable Wendy Tamblyn said.
“Drivers detected speeding will be issued with the appropriate infringement notice in all cases and additionally police will take extra time to speak with drivers and explain the current situation on the roads, including the increased crash rates, injuries and deaths occurring in our area,” she said.
“Very rarely is a crash caused by an ‘accident’, as in almost all cases one or a combination of the Fatal Five of speeding, drink or drug driving, distraction/inattention, fatigue and not wearing a seat belt are the causal factors.”
Const Tamblyn said speeding was a particular concern with a 23 per cent increase in detections for the year to July 2013.
She said exceeding the speed limit has a number of dangerous consequences including shorter reaction time and a longer stopping distance resulting in greater potential for injury and loss of life.
“When travelling 10kms over the speed limit in a 60kmh zone drivers are approximately four times more likely to be involved in a road crash,” she said.
“That’s comparable to driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration of around 0.10, twice the legal limit.”
The supposed time savings of speeding are often illusory, she said.
“If you drive for 100km at 90km/h within an 80km/h speed zone you are only saving eight minutes off your journey,” Constable Tamblyn said.
“Any perceived saving in time is far outweighed by the danger caused to yourself, your passengers, other road users and the extra 15 or so minutes you will spend on the roadside with police who will issue you with a significant fine with the accompanying loss of demerit points.
Const Tamblyn said all long road trips should be properly planned, allowing for rest stops every two hours or when tired, so there’s no extra pressure to exceed the speed limit.
“People need to understand that speed limits will be enforced and that our objective is to make the community safer by stopping road trauma,” she said.
“Speeding kills everyday people every day and by simply sticking to the speed limit the life you save could be your own or a loved ones.”
Education key
PARENTS should talk to their children before a journey so the youngsters understand what’s involved, Const Tamblyn said.
“Explain how long it’s likely to take so they’re prepared for the journey,” she said.
“Try to educate children on the importance of not distracting the driver, and of not fighting with their brothers and sisters.”
Parents should make sure there are enough books, CDs, DVDs and other things to keep the children quietly entertained throughout the journey, enough snacks and drinks, and to take a break every couple of hours to break the boredom and stretch their legs.
