By JONATHON HOWARD
POLICE and Community Safety Minister Jack Dempsey has reminded motorists to observe school zones as thousands of students resume classes this week.
He said in the first quarter of 2013, more than 6000 tickets were issued for speeding in school zones.
Mr Dempsey warned motorists taht police will be out in force throughout the term to catch those putting children’s lives at risk.
“Driving at speeds just over 5km/h above the speed limit in urban areas, and 10km/h above the speed limit in rural areas doubles the risk of a casualty crash,” Mr Dempsey said.
“Already this year, 154 lives have been lost on our roads, 20 more than the same time last year.
“I implore road users to observe the fatal five – wearing a seat belt, not driving fatigued, paying attention, observing the speed limit and not drink or drug-driving, and we can make our roads a lot safer and help protect our most vulnerable,” he said.
“Failure to comply with these basic driving principles and road rules can result in fines, loss of demerit points and worst of all, loss of life.”
