Road users called on to report drink, drug-affected, dangerous and distracted drivers, as part of new campaign

Issued at 5am, Tuesday 1 December 2020

NSW Police and Crime Stoppers NSW are calling on road users to report drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving on roads across the state as part of a new safety campaign.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and Crime Stoppers will be joined by Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, and Minister for Transport and Roads, Andrew Constance, to launch the Four Ds (drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving) campaign today (Tuesday 1 December 2020).

The campaign is focused on enlisting the community’s help to crack down on the Four Ds to prevent crashes and keep loved ones safe.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, said dangerous driving is unacceptable and the NSW Government is determined to highlight the concerning behaviour.

“This Government is committed to community safety and we know that the 4Ds – drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving are a significant contributor to deaths on our roads. The people of NSW have been through enough this year, we want to see everyone enjoy the Christmas and New Year periods with family without tragedy or chaos,” Mr Elliott said.

“This behaviour is deplorable and we’re determined to help put a stop to it once and for all. The NSW Police Force and Crime Stoppers initiative reminds us all that we each contribute to safety on our roads.”

280 people have died on NSW roads so far this year (from 1 January 2020 to 26 November 2020), with speed a factor in 28 percent of cases, drugs a factor in 20 percent, 16 percent alcohol-related.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner Karen Webb said more people will be using NSW roads in coming weeks with borders reopening and the Christmas holidays period approaching.

“Keeping the public safe is our top priority. We’re asking for you to help us protect yourselves, loved ones and the community on NSW roads. If you see or know anyone who is drink, drug, dangerous or distracted driving, please report it to Crime Stoppers and we will investigate,” said Assistant Commissioner Karen Webb.

“Our message to motorists breaking the law is clear: someone is watching you now and you will get caught,” said Assistant Commissioner Karen Webb.

Assistant Commissioner Webb has highlighted some ways road users can report the Four Ds without jeopardising their own safety or breaking the law:

  • Use a passenger to record the time of the incident and the registration of the driver’s vehicle.
  • If possible, keep dashcam vision of the incident and provide it to Crime Stoppers or police.
  • If it’s an emergency – where there is a threat to life or someone’s safety – please call Triple Zero (000) through a passenger, hands-free, or pull over somewhere safe.
  • If it’s not an emergency, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The CEO of Crime Stoppers NSW Peter Price AM said he hopes the community’s involvement will help improve safety and accountability on NSW roads.

“Never before have we asked the community to report these crimes and Crime Stoppers NSW is the first, not only in Australia, but around the world, to initiate this campaign,” said Crime Stoppers NSW CEO, Peter Price AM, said.

“This is one of the most important campaigns we have ever embarked upon. These traffic issues are an offence and these offences often lead to innocent people being injured or killed which is absolutely devastating for their families,” Mr Price said.

“We are counting on the community’s strong relationship with us to contact Crime Stoppers and make our roads safer for everyone,” he said.

Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the community’s support could help to save lives.

“Everyone has the right to get home safely to their loved ones at night. Reporting dangerous behaviour on our roads could be the difference between life and death.”

“We’ve already seen far too many people killed and seriously injured in road trauma this year. We need everyone in the community to help us put a stop to this tragedy and trauma.”

Issued by NSW Police Force Media Unit (02) 8263 6100
Authorised by A/C Webb, THPC
(Ref:af:meddocs/medrel/2020/November/THPCFourDs.YES.061120)