Switch on behind the wheel

MOTORISTS are urged to turn on their headlights these school holidays as part of a campaign to shine a light on the Fatal Five.
The campaign, Light Your Drive, has been launched by the Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Jack Dempsey, Police Commissioner Ian Stewart and motor-racing champion Craig Lowndes.
Mr Dempsey said all motorists were asked to “light their drive” and focus on keeping everyone safe on the road this Christmas.
“By turning on your headlights this holiday period, even during the day, you’ll highlight the Fatal Five message and raise awareness of road safety,” he said.
“Failure to respect the road rules, the road conditions, or yourself as a road-user is a gamble, especially during the Christmas-New Year period when so many people are on the roads.
“Nothing takes away more from the meaning of Christmas or the holiday season than carnage, crashes or stupidity on our roads.”
Mr Stewart said police would also be out in force over the Christmas holiday period focussing on the Fatal Five.
“If you speed, drink drive, don’t pay attention, don’t wear a seatbelt or drive while tired, you will not only be caught by police, but you risk your life and the life of every other road user – and that is just not acceptable,” he said.
“The number of fatalities on our road so far this year stands at 216 today and as a community we need to take action to stop this carnage. Police cannot do this without the support of every road user.
“The community’s safety is our priority and police will continue to target law-breaking motorists.”
Motor racing champion Craig Lowndes said it was unfortunate some drivers took unnecessary risks that put themselves, their loved ones and other roads users in danger.
“I encourage all motorists to stick to the road rules and watch out for your fellow drivers so that we can all get home to our families safely,” Mr Lowndes said.
“You may save a life, including your own, by simply turning on your headlights.”
The Christmas road safety campaign runs from 12 December to 30 January.