Accidents are down by one-third on western region roads after the opening two days of the busy holiday period and police are hopeful the positive trends can continue.
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Police presence has been high on the region’s roads since Operation Safe Arrival got underway at midnight on Friday and the campaign is having a positive impact.
There were 27 injuries in crashes over the whole of the western region, 14 less than the same period in 2012, and no fatalities so far.
The head of Western Region Highway Patrol, Inspector Jeff Boon desperately wants to see the statistics remain positive during the Christmas and New Year period.
“That’s a good result so far and, touch wood, it can keep going.
“To have accidents down by a third is a significant result and drink driving across the region also looks like it’s down,” Inspector Boon said.
One of few serious incidents saw a 24-year-old man lucky to escape injury when he rolled his vehicle between 11 to 11.30pm in Dubbo on Friday night.
He left the vehicle and returned on Saturday morning at 5.30am, where he was met by police.
He was taken to hospital and treated for concussion.
Samples were taken and will be analysed to see if alcohol was a factor in the crash.
Inspector Boon is advising people to stick to the speed limit, avoid taking risks and to avoid fatigue, don’t drive late at night or early in the morning.
He also warned the dry weather has brought more wildlife onto the roads.
Operation Safe Arrival continues until January 2, with double demerit remaining in place until 11.59pm on January 1.
