NSW Police and Crime Stoppers have partnered for the new campaign to drive home the road safety message. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
“Effective policing isn’t about two police driving around in a police truck looking for an offender committing a crime. Effective policing is working with our community.”
That was the message from NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar at the launch of a new road safety campaign in alpine town Jindabyne on Friday afternoon (24 July).
The campaign, running over the coming months, is a joint initiative between police and Crime Stoppers.
It calls on locals to ‘’tell it like it is’’ and have a serious conversation about the consequences of dangerous driving.
“Unfortunately, there are a lot of people, in particular around the waterline, that are taking far too many risks,” Assistant Commissioner Cassar said.
“We’re talking about individuals that are driving way too fast, individuals that are using drugs whilst they’re driving, individuals that are being distracted by using their mobile phones.”
For Monaro Police District Commander Superintendent Toby Lindsay, the new campaign is a timely reminder for travellers this winter.
Police have issued 2200 speeding infringement notices in just the past six weeks, since Operation Snow Safe launched on the June long weekend.
Superintendent Lindsay hit out at the number.
“That is a concerning figure, with so many people travelling on the roads leading in and out of the snowfields, potentially putting other drivers and their passengers at risk of serious injury or death,” he said.
“The campaign launch is another timely reminder for motorists to take regular breaks, don’t take unnecessary risks, check the conditions and avoid driving while tired, especially after a long day on the slopes.
“If you are a passenger in the car and are concerned about the driver’s behaviour, call out that dangerous behaviour and keep them accountable.”
Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar said drivers were taking “far too many risks” when travelling around southern NSW. Image: NSW Police.
Crime Stoppers NSW CEO Peter Price AM echoed the need for awareness of the dangers of driving on regional roads.
He said the campaign launch coincided with an increase in road fatalities, including in regional parts of NSW, and called for drivers to slow down.
“We have just seen too many people basically speeding, and when you drive fast, you die fast. It’s as simple as that,” he said.
Police also renewed their call for the community to come forward with information about criminal activity in their backyard.
Mr Price said community help could be key in police tackling a range of crimes.
“Help us to help you to make your community safer. It’s literally your call,” he said.
“If you don’t do anything, we don’t know about it.”
Assistant Commissioner Cassar also urged residents not to “turn a blind eye” to drug and property offending.
“All we ask is that you make the effort and report the crime,” he said.
Anyone with information about illicit drug activity, theft or dangerous driving is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Reports can be made confidentially.
