Other news — December 18, 2014 at 6:26 pm

DOUBLE DEMERITS REMINDER – Friday 19 December 2014 until Sunday 4 January 2015 (inclusive)

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DOUBLE DEMERITS REMINDER – CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR

Note: Double demerit penalties for the festive holiday season apply from Friday 19 December 2014 until Sunday 4 January 2015 (inclusive).

With the festive season just around the corner, West Australians are being reminded to drive safely with double demerit penalties set to come into effect later this week targeting motorists engaging in dangerous activities while driving.

The double demerits system in WA has been operating since 2002 with the core objective to reduce the number of road crashes on the State’s roads contributing to significant road trauma during a defined double demerits period.

Did you know that since 2003, there has been a steady increase in road users who believe the double demerits legislation has influenced their restraint-wearing behaviour across long weekends and defined holiday periods?

According to the most recent double demerits evaluation report in 2009, the daily average number of reported fatal crashes where an occupant was not wearing a restraint during prescribed double demerits periods increased by 19 per cent between 2001 and 2008. This compares to a similar result of a 17 per cent increase in reported fatal crashes where an occupant was not wearing a restraint during a non-double demerits period over the same time frame.

Four independent evaluations of the double demerits system, commissioned by the Road Safety Council, have determined there were fewer road crashes when the initiative was in place.

In its early trials, double demerits in WA initially targeted three high-risk offences – speeding, drink driving and the non-use of restraints. Since then, a number of offences have been added to the system.

During this holiday period, the following offences will be subject to double demerit penalties:

  • Speeding;
  • Drink and/or drug driving;
  • Failing to wear a seat belt and/or child restraint;
  • Running a red light; and
  • Illegal use of a mobile phone while driving.

WA Police will be out enforcing double demerits across the state to help stop risk-taking behaviour and to protect the majority of the community who do the right thing on our roads.

More information on double demerits is available on the Road Rules & Penalties page

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The latest double demerits evaluation report is also available herenew window.

ENDS

Media Contact:
Cass De Wind
Office of Road Safety
0417 939 743 / cass.dewind@mainroads.wa.gov.au

 

http://www.ors.wa.gov.au/news-media/Media/2014/Double-Demerits-reminder-Christmas-New-Year

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