Double demerit points season starts as police target speeding and distracted drivers

Police will be out in force targeting speeding and distracted drivers as holidaymakers hit the roads this long weekend.

After a number of deaths in recent weeks, road safety minister Michelle Roberts minister has urged caution ahead of the Queen’s Birthday weekend.

The long weekend marks the start of a busy fortnight on West Australian roads, with school holidays and the Perth Royal Show also beginning.

Double demerit points kicked in on Friday and will run until midnight on Monday. 

Police will be targeting people for speeding, drink and drug driving, mobile phone use, running red lights and set belt offences.

Police will be targeting people for speeding, drink and drug driving, mobile phone use, running red lights and set belt offences

‘I want to ask drivers to particularly be mindful of children using the roads during the school holidays or making their way to the Royal Show,’ Ms Roberts said.

‘The emotional aftermath of a serious road crash doesn’t just impact the families affected, but our emergency service workers too.’

Acting Road Safety Commissioner Iain Cameron has warned motorists to stay alert.

‘Three out of four fatal and serious injury crashes on WA roads are not caused by a risk-taking behaviour, but by someone who may be tired, a bit distracted or has a momentary lapse in concentration,’ he said.

‘A micro-sleep of four or five seconds at 110km/h is like driving the length of Optus Stadium with your eyes shut.

‘Fatigue is the silent killer on our roads, please don’t drive after being awake for a long period of time, make sure you’re well rested, plan your journey with regular stops along the way and if you can, switch drivers.’