WHAT makes some motorists speed, drink-drive or break other laws when they know police are out in force trying to prevent deaths and accidents and keep the roads safe during a long weekend?
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It is inexplicable and police concern and frustration is entirely understandable.
The rules are there to save lives and avoid injuries. But, some drivers just don't get it.
Acting Inspector Ben Macfarlane, of the Western Region Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, summed it up: "They appear to treat road safety as some kind of game - but with 263 people killed on NSW roads so far this year, 41 of those in the western region - there are tragic consequences when things go wrong."
Warnings, road safety tips, pleas for responsible driving etc. are ignored, despite heavy campaigning by the police, motoring bodies, the media and others.
Fortunately, communities in the Orana region made it through the weekend without any fatalities but some idiots still placed their own lives and those of others at risk.
Police were out in force for Operation Slow Down and by Monday afternoon the Orana Local Area Command had issued 55 fines for speeding, two for not using seatbelts and 57 for other offences.
They did 1176 breath tests.
Some of those caught had driving disqualifications for earlier offences.
One had three unrestrained children in the vehicle. How neglectful and dangerous is that?
Maybe there should be tougher penalties for repeat offenders.