DUBBO drivers are still being watched and stopped by police who have extended Operation Saturation by two weeks because of a drop in major crashes.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In the past month 1211 major crashes were recorded in NSW, down from 1364 at the same time last year.
The state-wide operation, launched on February 23 in response to a jump in the road toll, has led to the prosecution of 1352 drivers for drink-driving offences, 15,120 for speeding, 2609 for mobile phone use and 1549 for not wearing a seat belt while driving.
Yesterday NSW Police announced Operation Saturation would lead into Operation Tortoise, their Easter long weekend campaign to save lives.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith, acting commander of the state's Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, said motorists could expect to continue to see an increased police presence on NSW roads.
"Traffic and highway patrol officers have targeted speeding drivers, supported by general duty police who conducted random breath testing, seat belt and mobile phone compliance operations," he said.
"Whilst the operation was due to finish on Sunday, the results we have achieved so far provide a significant opportunity to continue to impact driver behaviour leading into the Easter period."
Acting Assistant Commissioner Smith said the prosecutions resulting from Operation Saturation were for offences considered "key risk factors in serious injury and fatal crashes".
"Whilst it was no doubt an unpleasant experience for those drivers to be prosecuted, fortunately for them they have been able to go home rather than become another statistic," he said.
"The fact that major crashes were down by 153 during the month means that a significant number of people who may have been injured or killed in such serious crashes were spared.
"We know speeding is a major contributing factor in about 34 per cent of Australian road deaths and 13 per cent of serious injuries, however we still see people risking their lives."
NSW Police report of 81 fatal crash and 84 deaths so far this year, up 16 crashes and 18 deaths on the same time last year.
Operation Saturation is a joint initiative of NSW Police and the Centre for Road Safety.