NSW CRACKS DOWN ON RECKLESS BEHAVIOUR ON OUR ROADS

The NSW Government will crack down on life threatening behaviour on our State's roads, with the launch of a new safety campaign aimed at stopping drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and Minister for Roads Andrew Constance joined the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and Crime Stoppers (NSW) today to launch the 'Four Ds' campaign.

Mr Elliott said drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving is unacceptable and the community can help to save lives on our roads.

"We know that the Four Ds – drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving – are a significant contributor to deaths on our roads," Mr Elliott said.

"Everyone deserves to enjoy the Christmas and New Year periods with their families without tragedy or chaos and we can all play a role when it comes to safety on our roads." 

Mr Constance said the community's support could help to save lives.

"Everyone has the right to get home safely to their loved ones at night," Mr Constance said.

"We've already seen far too many people killed and seriously injured on our roads this year and we need everyone in the community to help us put a stop to the tragedy and trauma."

Assistant Commissioner of the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command Karen Webb said this campaign will help police identify drivers breaking the law before it becomes fatal.

"If you see or know anyone who is drink, drug, dangerous or distracted driving, please report it to Crime Stoppers and we will investigate," Assistant Commissioner Webb said. 

"Our message to motorists breaking the law is clear: someone is watching you now and you will get caught."

The Traffic and Highway Patrol Command has highlighted some ways road users can report the Four Ds without jeopardising their own safety or breaking the law:

·         Use a passenger to record the time of the incident and the registration of the driver's vehicle.

·         If possible, keep dashcam vision of the incident and provide it to Crime Stoppers (NSW) or police.

·         If it's an emergency – where there is a threat to life or someone's safety – please call Triple Zero (000) through a passenger, hands-free, or pull over somewhere safe.

·         If it's not an emergency, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Crime Stoppers NSW CEO Peter Price AM said he hopes the community's involvement will help improve safety and accountability on NSW roads.

"Never before have we asked the community to report these crimes and NSW Crime Stoppers is the first, not only in Australia, but around the world, to initiate this campaign," Mr Price said.

"This is one of the most important campaigns we have ever embarked upon. These traffic issues are an offence and these offences often lead to innocent people being injured or killed which is absolutely devastating for their families,"

280 people have died on NSW roads so far this year from 1 January 2020 to 26 November 2020.