Other news — February 27, 2014 at 7:59 pm

Double demerits reminder – Labour Day long weekend

Note: Double demerit penalties apply from midnight leading into Friday, 28 February to end midnight leading into Tuesday, 4 March 2014.

Did you know that the daily average number of reported crashes where speed was a factor during double demerits periods decreased by 17 per cent between 2001 and 2008? That’s approximately one less crash per day, according to the most recent evaluation report.

Since the introduction of the system in Easter 2002, double demerits have been enforced across Western Australia for long weekends and holiday periods – and results have shown that they are a proven a success.

Four independent evaluations of the initiative, commissioned by the Road Safety Council, have determined there were fewer road crashes when double demerits were in place.

In the latest evaluation, more than 60 per cent of drivers said the double demerits legislation has had some form of influence on their driver behaviour and whether they drive over the posted speed limit.

Double demerits apply for:

Speeding;
Drink or drug driving;
Failing to wear a seat belt or child restraint; and
Carrying passengers in the open load space of a vehicle, such as the back of utilities, trucks and panel vans.

WA Police will be out enforcing double demerits across the state this long weekend to help stop risk taking behaviour and to protect the majority of the community who do the right thing on our roads.

More information on double demerits is available on the Road Rules & Penalties page .