Drive to boost road safety

Reckless driving and poor decisions will not be tolerated, says Albany police Senior Sergeant Grant Pollard, after some alarming incidents on Great Southern roads over the long weekend.

Katanning police stopped a 72- year-old man on January 27 who blew 21/2 times the legal limit, resulting in immediate licence disqualification and court summons.

Sen. Sgt Pollard said drink-driving was disappointing to see.

“It’s very disappointing to see. Drink-driving is risky and it’s frustrating that the message isn’t getting through to some members of the community,” he said. “On a whole it has been good but there are still those drivers that think it’s safe for them to consume alcohol over the legal limit and still drive. It’s not.”

On Australia Day, Tambellup police conducted more than 200 random breath tests in Kojonup and got no positive results, which is a positive outcome.

“We are very happy with that, it’s a great outcome,” Sen. Sgt Pollard said.

“That’s the result that we all aim for to keep the roads safe and the drivers safe.

“It’s a very pleasing result.”

Another driver in Katanning disappointed police after failing to stop at an RBT action.

The driver was pulled over, and she was later charged for having a blood alcohol reading in excess of .08 and for possession of illicit drugs, resulting in a licence disqualification on the spot.

Wagin police caught a driver doing 111km in a 70km zone on Australia Day. The driver copped a $1000 fine and 14 demerit points.

Sen. Sgt Pollard described the driver’s behaviour as stupid, reckless and dangerous.

“It puts everyone in jeopardy, particularly the innocent drivers that are doing the correct thing and driving in the correct manner,” he said.

“They have to share the roads with the less considerate and dangerous drivers.

“People that continue to drive in that manner should expect to lose their licence and it won’t be tolerated.”

Sen. Sgt Pollard said police in the Great Southern will continue to enforce the road traffic laws to ensure the roads remain safe.