Geraldton traffic police will target impaired drivers this Easter, as OIC claims numbers are chock-a-block

People can expect to see more police on Mid West roads this Easter long weekend, as officers crack down on impaired drivers, which is still a “major” problem in the region, according to our top traffic cop. Traffic OIC Sgt George Tilbury said officers would be out in force everyday during the Easter break — on highways and in towns across the Mid West-Gascoyne district. He said impaired driving was still a “major issue” in the Mid West, and police would be taking a zero-tolerance approach to drunk or drug-driving. “Those abusing alcohol and taking illicit drugs will be targeted,” he said. Sgt Tilbury said local police will have extra resources from Perth, with speed cameras and random breath test stops set up during the double-demerit period. “Easter is one of the most dangerous times on our roads due to significantly more traffic on the major arterials,” he said. “Holiday-makers, often towing trailers and caravans, combined with heavy vehicles on our roads, can end in disaster when drivers are frustrated or fatigued and take unnecessary risks. “Be patient, take care and make doubly sure when pulling out of side streets onto our highways or overtaking, as these are often the cause of crashes.” Sgt Tilbury reminded the community to stay safe, all the while enjoying whatever time off they may have to spend with loved ones. “Don’t be that idiot who loses their licence for doing something stupid or worse, living a life of regret for taking someone else’s,” he said. Mid West-Gascoyne Supt Steve Post reinforced the importance of staying safe this Easter following a quiet holiday period this time last year. “We encourage everyone to drive safely, with attention to the road and courtesy to others, so that everyone arrives safely at their destination,” he said. According to the Road Safety Commission, 157 people lost their lives on WA roads in 2023. Seven deaths occurred on the notorious tourist route Indian Ocean Drive. Between 2018 and 2022, there were 1864 reported crashes on roads in the Mid West-Gascoyne. The double-demerit period runs from Thursday until Easter Monday.