A DRIVER has been slapped with $1376 in fines and 39 demerit points after police allegedly caught four children in his car without seatbelts on.
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Officers stopped a 39-year-old male in Moree at about 4:15pm on Saturday.
The man was issued four traffic infringement notices for driving with child passengers unrestrained.
Police are frustrated with the lack of responsibility on the roads.
A teenage drink-driver in Gunnedah and disqualified driver in Moree were caught on the region's roads during Operation Safe Arrival at the weekend.
The number of fatalities has risen to eight and police have attended 694 major crashes.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Michael Corboy said it was important that road users be aware of other drivers and take responsibility for their actions.
"This reckless behaviour we're seeing on our roads, particularly driving with unrestrained children in cars, is very troubling for police," he said.
"While, thankfully, these drivers were stopped before anyone was injured, their actions could have resulted in very serious consequences very quickly.
"To say that our officers are disappointed is an understatement.
"People need to realise that your choices as a driver do not just affect yourself but everyone else on the road."
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The high-visibility police operation wraps up on New Year's Day at midnight.
Officers have targeted speeding, drink and drug-driving, seatbelts, mobile phone use and motorcycle helmet offences in the operation that sees drivers cop double demerit points.
By day 10, police had issued 9358 speeding infringements and conducted more than 400,000 breath tests.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
