Even a minor lapse in concentration or judgement can have tragic, catastrophic consequences.
That’s the reminder from NSW and ACT Police, who will take a coordinated approach on traffic enforcement this summer on the Kings Highway, actively targeting dangerous driving behaviour including speeding, and drink and drug driving.
At the annual Kings Highway Road Safety Partnership launch on Friday, Officer in Charge of Road ACT Policing, Detective Inspector Marcus Boorman, urged anyone travelling on the Kings Highway to take care and regular breaks.
“Drivers should be mindful that there may be delays on the Kings Highway due to traffic volume, and to drive to the conditions,” he said.
“I’d also encourage drivers to watch their speed, and ask themselves ‘Who are you rushing to meet?’
“We want everyone to get to their destination safely so they can spend their Christmas with family and friends, not dealing with police or a serious collision.”
Established in 2008, the Kings Highway Road Safety Partnership aims to reduce road trauma on the Kings Highway and brings together Eurobodalla, Shoalhaven and Queanbeyan Palerang councils, ACT Policing, NSW Police, Transport for NSW, and the Justice and Community Safety Directorate.
Although fatalities have remained relatively constant on the Kings Highway at three per year, serious injuries have reduced from high of nine in 2013 to less than three in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Eurobodalla residents heading to Canberra and beyond these holidays are urged not to be complacent.
“No matter how many times you’ve driven the Kings Highway, by doing the wrong thing you’re putting your life, your passengers’ lives and the lives of others in danger,” NSW Police southern region highway patrol Sergeant Angus Duncombe said.
“All drivers must stay alert, be patient, obey speed limits and take regular breaks. Remember your summer for the right reasons.”
The Kings Highway Road Safety Partnership campaign will run until the end of January 2021.
Motorists can expect to find frequent visible reminders along the length of the Kings Highway on roadside banners as well as signage at petrol pumps, public toilets, retail food outlets and driver reviver stations in Canberra and Eurobodalla.
Above: ACT Policing’s acting Sergeant Damien Kinnane, and NSW Police Sergeant Angus Duncombe at the Kings Highway Road Safety Partnership launch on Friday.
