POLICE will be out in force this weekend in a large-scale road operation following two fatal crashes in the Hunter Region in one day.
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An eight-year-old girl lost her life in a crash on McCaffrey Drive in New Lambton Heights on Tuesday.
That accident came just a few hours after a woman died at Catherine Hill Bay following a two-vehicle collision.
Road trauma will be the the focus of the statewide operation Chrome which will run from Friday through to Sunday.
"Our main aim is to stop fatal crashes before they happen," Northern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell said.
"To do that, we make no apologies for enforcing the road rules that are the biggest contributors to fatal crashes.
"Most crashes happen in rural and regional areas, which is why you will see us in numbers this weekend. Road safety is everyone's responsibility - it's that simple."
Drivers and riders have been told to expect to see more police on rural roads and highways over the coming days targeting risky driver behaviours.
Northern Region Traffic Tactician, Acting Inspector Justin Cornes said drivers need to follow the road rules in order to keep themselves and others safe on our roads.
"Road trauma doesn't just impact those in the car - it can leave gaping holes in families," he said.
"One life lost is too many"
Chrome follows the launch of operation Merret targeting motorists for dangerous behaviours, but also educating drivers on safe behaviour and encouraging those who are doing the right thing through positive reinforcement.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy, said there had been too many lives lost in preventable tragedies this year on our roads.
"To prevent further serious injury or death on our roads, I implore every driver to take responsibility and ensure safety is their primary focus," he said.
"Please slow down, wear your seatbelt, avoid handling mobile telephones, make certain you are adequately rested before driving, and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue."
Last year's operation Merret saw more than 30,000 infringements issued across the state.
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