Thousands of drivers were caught speeding and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol during a police blitz over the King’s Birthday long weekend in New South Wales. Police reported a “concerning number” of incidents, including excessive speeds, high-range drink driving, and reckless driving.
More than 4,000 drivers received speeding infringements, 275 were charged with drink driving, and 655 tested positive to roadside drug tests. Police attended 287 major crashes, resulting in 75 injuries and three fatalities.
Among the incidents, a 31-year-old man in a stolen 4WD drove through multiple wire fences on private property in Dunedoo before being arrested. A 27-year-old man led police on a 190km pursuit through the Hunter Region before being stopped by road spikes. A 54-year-old man tested positive to drugs, and his 64-year-old passenger was found with drugs, lock picks, and $9,400 in counterfeit cash after police noticed unauthorized plates on their van in Budgewoi.
A 28-year-old woman driving on the wrong side of the road in South Grafton recorded a breath test reading of 0.234. A 49-year-old driver returned a reading of 0.266 after a crash in Zetland. A 44-year-old woman with two children aged 5 and 15 made an illegal U-turn to avoid a breath test in Wahroonga, later recording 0.197. A 39-year-old man in a Ford Mustang was caught driving 54km/h over the limit on the Hume Highway and tested positive for alcohol.
Assistant Commissioner David Driver said while most drivers obeyed the rules, a group continued to break the law, posing a risk to the community. “Over the past few days, we have seen three people lose their lives and 75 people injured. Motor vehicle crashes are preventable, but when they occur, lives can be lost and others permanently changed,” he said. He urged all road users to drive with care and adhere to road rules.
Almost 400 mobile phone infringements, 221 seatbelt infringements, and 6,665 other offence infringements were issued. The blitz also included a dramatic dashcam capture of an officer tackling a teenage rider off a dirt bike, and a 23-year-old man suffered significant injuries after allegedly assaulting officers during an arrest.
