Motorists called to take extra care as extra police on Great Southern roads in busy Christmas, new year period

Great Southern police are urging motorists to take extra care as they navigate busy roads during the holiday period.

Police will deploy extra officers and conduct more patrolling in the Great Southern as traffic increases around the Christmas and new year period.

Double demerits will start on Friday and finish on Sunday, January 7 for category A offences, including speeding, drink-driving, not wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone while behind the wheel.

Great Southern traffic Acting Sergeant Owain Fiander said they wanted road users to take responsibility for their driving behaviour.

“This time of the year, the roads become busier due to an influx in holiday traffic,” he said.

“We ask that people plan for their journey to take that little bit longer and to ensure that they are adequately prepared and rested for their trip.

“Most people travelling the roads do the right thing … unfortunately, sometimes impatience and frustration can cause people to do things they wouldn’t normally do, like overtaking when unsafe or speeding to make up lost time.

“We don’t want to see people taking unnecessary risks on the roads in order to arrive at their destination a few minutes earlier.

“It’s just not worth it, not worth risking your licence and not worth the risk you place on yourself and the people you share the road with.”

There have been 14 fatal crashes resulting in 16 deaths so far this year in the Great Southern district.

The Great Southern had a traumatic holiday period last year, with four deaths in 18 days.

Act. Sgt Fiander said there would be an increase in patrols to monitor traffic on the highways and in towns while additional random breath and drug testing would also be conducted over the holiday period.

“Please be patient and courteous with other road users as they, just like you, are travelling to be with friends and family,” Act. Sgt Fiander said.

“Have a safe and merry Christmas and all the best for the new year.”