At a time when rural towns are struggling under the economic downturn and mental strain caused by drought, fatalities and injuries from road incidents cause untold suffering and cost to the community, Riverina Police Superintendent Bob Noble said today.
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With more than two-thirds of all NSW road fatalities occurring on rural roads, Supt Noble has launched a state-wide police operation focusing on rural road trauma.
Operation Chrome will take place throughout the southern region today and tomorrow, Friday and Saturday November 29 and 30.
Cootamundra police will play an active role in the operation, working alongside traffic and highway patrol officers to provide a coordinated effort to reduce rural road trauma.
Drivers and riders should expect to see more police on rural roads and highways in the Riverina and surrounding districts over the coming days, targeting risky driver behaviours.
Supt Noble said enforcement and education will be the focus of this weekend's operation.
"This year we have seen a number of serious and fatal collisions caused by a variety of factors, including fatigue, driver distraction, speeding, alcohol and drugs" Supt Noble said.
Southern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar APM said police will continue to target those doing the wrong thing on rural roads.
"Rest assured we will be taking legal action against those who choose to do the wrong thing and put the lives of others at risk," Assistant Commissioner Cassar said.
"Country roads have a fatality rate that is more than four times that of their metro counterparts, so it's really crucial that we address this issue and work together to stop these devastating events from happening in the first place."