Police are urging drivers to continue being vigilant after nine people were killed on NSW roads during an 11-day traffic operation from December 23-January 3.
Double demerit points were in force for the duration of the operation for speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences.
Police say they saw a concerning number of dangerous driving incidents, including excessive speed, high-range drink-driving and reckless driving.
Acting Inspector Neil Prest of the Central Coast Highway Patrol said 13,364 random breath tests (RBTs) for alcohol and drugs were conducted on the Central Coast over the period, with 44 detections of drink driving (driver over the limit) and 47 detections for drug driving.
“The Lost Paradise festival at Calga may have contributed to the situation, but these figures are too high,” he said.
“We have had RBT for 40 years now and people are still driving with alcohol and drugs in their system.”
Acting Insp. Prest said despite several collisions, there were no deaths reported on the Central Coast.
“Unfortunately one of our officers received serious injuries as a result of a stolen vehicle at Narara on December 26,” he said.
That officer is recovering from his injuries.
In all, 839 offences were recorded in the region and 283 speeding violations were recorded.
“Twenty-two infringements were also recorded for seatbelt, phone and helmet violations,” Acting Insp. Prest said.
Across the state, police issued 8,118 speed infringements, laid 642 drink-driving charges and 972 drug-driving charges, attended 746 major crashes and conducted 317,229 breath tests.
Nine people died in crashes over the period, compared to five in the previous year (2021/2022).
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden, said police will continue to target behaviour that endangers lives on NSW roads.
Acting Insp. Prest reminded motorists that, with school holidays continuing, police will be out in force leading up to the Australia Day long weekend.
Terry Collins