Police to target drivers who put others at risk

Police will be targeting drivers who put people at risk this holiday season with a focus on drug and alcohol testing, according to South West DistrictTraffic coordinator David Hurdle.

Sgt Hurdle urged drivers to think before they got behind the wheel, especially after they had been drinking.

He said police would also target distracted drivers, including those who used their mobile phone while behind the wheel.

“Drivers need to concentrate when driving and if you can’t concentrate you shouldn’t be driving,” Sgt Hurdle said.

To prevent drivers getting behind the wheel after drinking, five years ago the Shire of Dardanup Roadwise Committee started the Skipper Program.

Eaton Tavern got on board to reduce the number of alcohol-related crashes, by handing out free soft drinks to skippers.

Committee member Jill Cross said the program had been received well by the community and she aimed to have the program implemented into more pubs in the South West.

“We all know how dreadful our road toll is and we will be encouraging anything we can do to reduce it,” she said.

“As people head out to functions we want them to stop and think about who is driving and having a designated skipper is one way to make sure everyone gets home safe.”