Over the Anzac Day long weekend, NSW Police commenced a traffic safety operation, addressing the behaviour of numerous distracted, intoxicated, and dangerous drivers.
The operation ran from 12.01am on Wednesday, April 24 to 11.59pm on Sunday, April 28, also the final day of the NSW school holidays.
The Southern Region, which includes the Murray River Police District, recorded 2196 total infringements. More than 1100 of those were speeding related.
There were around 33,000 breath tests performed, with 49 people charged for drink driving. A further 141 positive drug-driving tests were recorded.
Police responded to 57 significant accidents, which resulted in one fatality. There were five fatalities in total in NSW.
The Murray River Police District includes Moama, Barham, Deniliquin, Mathoura, Moulamein, and Tocumwal police stations.
NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley expressed disappointment over the statistics, with the 2024 Anzac Day weekend recording five deaths, compared to four in 2023.
“Five lives lost is five lives too many. That’s five people not going home to their families,” she said.
“Police will continue to target speeding, distracted driving, and alcohol and drug use to make sure everyone can get to their destinations safely.”
Assistant commissioner, traffic and highway patrol command, Brett McFadden, said operations targeting dangerous driving during long weekends and holidays will continue.
“During what has been a busy period on our roads with school holidays and the Anzac long weekend, unfortunately police are still seeing risky driving behaviour,” he said.
“Those individuals who thought they could drink and drive without being caught have learnt the hard way this weekend.
“This is a timely reminder to have a plan B to make sure you return home safely.
“Whilst the Anzac Day operation may have concluded, police will continue proactive taskings to keep the community safe.”