As the Easter long weekend approaches, motorists in New South Wales and other participating states should prepare for increased traffic penalties. Double demerit points will be in place for certain traffic offences over the Easter long weekend from Thursday, April 17 until Sunday, April 21, 2024. This national initiative helps improve road safety at a time when many expect an increase in travel, especially during the summer months.
Double points apply to a variety of traffic and impaired driving offenses. This explains increases in dangerous driving behavior like speeding, illegal mobile phone use, and not wearing a seatbelt. It similarly holds true for motorcyclists riding without helmets. The authorities emphasize that the first offence will not incur double demerits. Any repeat offence within a 12-month period will result in enhanced penalties.
Understanding the Offences
Motorists are reminded to be extra aware of the dangerous driving offences that will attract double demerit points. These include:
- Speeding more than 20km/h over the speed limit.
- Using a mobile phone illegally while driving.
- Failing to wear a seatbelt or ensuring that passengers under 16 are appropriately restrained.
- Riding without a helmet.
As authorities have previously pointed out, double demerit points shouldn’t need to be the same offence committed twice. For example, a driver can receive double demerits for the second offence of the same type.
Accruing 12 to 15 demerit points over a three year window has harsh results. For serious or repeated offenders, at least a three-month disqualification from being allowed to hold a driver’s licence. This measure further strengthens driver accountability for violating people’s right to safe road use.
Holiday Period Risks
Long weekends and holiday periods have long been recognized as times of increased danger on our roads. Adrian Warner, the WA Road Safety Commissioner, has warned of the increased risks during these peak holiday periods.
“Long weekends and holiday periods are risky times for road safety,” – WA Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner
At peak travel times, more cars, trucks, and buses jam the highways at rush hour. This added congestion frequently leads to more crashes, fueled by things such as driver fatigue and inattention. Warner urged all road users to be particularly alert during these dangerous times of day.
Easter is not the only period where double demerit points apply. They will be enforced over the period of Anzac Day, from Thursday, April 24 to Sunday, April 27. Law enforcement officials urge all motorists to pay special attention and drive safely and responsibly during what could be extremely treacherous travel conditions.
Road Safety Campaigns
To address the dangers that come with the surge in traffic, agencies are starting awareness campaigns. An ACT Police spokesperson stated:
“Reminding road users of the increased penalties and increased risk of loss of license during this period, we expect that road users will pay more attention to the road and other road users.”
This proactive approach is meant to reduce accidents overall and encourage safer driving behavior among the State’s drivers. The message is clear: by adhering to traffic laws and prioritizing safety, drivers can help ensure a safer environment for everyone on the road.
Unlike other states and territories including the Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria, Queensland shows its commitment to traffic offences enforcement 365 days a year. In addition, they penalise repeat offences with double demerit points, so it’s imperative that drivers don’t get complacent.
