With an average of six fatalities occurring over the Easter long weekend, Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan said motorist should expect a high-visibility police presence on the roads as he launched Operation Crossroads.
Following the success of an unmarked motorcycles trial during the Christmas period, which nabbed about 1400 motorists illegally using their mobile phones, the squad will again feature heavily on Perth roads following the announcement of double demerits for mobile phone offences.
The double-demerit period starts at midnight on Friday April 18 and ends at midnight on Monday April 21.
Using a mobile phone while driving over the double-demerit weekend will now see drivers lose six points from their vehicle licence.
Commissioner O'Callaghan said he hoped the move would lead to a decrease in offending and fatalities.
"Using your mobile phone while driving makes you four times more likely to have a serious crash and if that is not disincentive enough, you will also run the risk this Easter of incurring six demerit points and possibly losing your licence," he said.
He added that police would also have a heavy presence on regional roads, with planned patrols through the Wheatbelt and Midwest.
"The top six worst roads for fatal and serious crashes are all in regional Western Australia where fatigue, inattention and distracted driving all play a big role in road trauma.”
"Every Easter I ask myself what will I say this year to get the road safety message through?
"Invariably, regardless of the police effort, unless people take heed of the risks, the story will be sadly the same."
