POLICE throughout the Upper Hunter will focus on reducing rural road trauma this weekend as they launch Operation Chrome.
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It's a state-wide regional initiative being conducted in the northern, southern and western regions on Friday and Saturday, November 29 and 30.
The operation will utilise police from all districts, working alongside officers from the Traffic & Highway Patrol Command to provide a coordinated effort to reducing rural road trauma.
Police will target poor driving behaviours on rural roads - including speeding, drink and drug-driving, not wearing seatbelts, using a mobile phone behind the wheel and fatigue.
Drivers and riders should expect to see more police on rural roads and highways over the weekend.
Northern Region Commander Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell APM admitted reducing rural road trauma was a top priority.
"So far in 2019, 234 people have lost their lives on regional roads - that's 19 more than this time last year," he said.
"Operation Chrome is designed to not only target the main highways, but the back roads and streets.
"Expect to see us in numbers this weekend.
"It won't just be officers from the Traffic & Highway Patrol that will be tasked with keeping everyone safe on our roads.
"If you are on the road and doing something wrong, you will be stopped by police in an unmarked car, general duties police, or one of our highway patrol officers.
"Our main aim is to stop fatal crashes before they happen.
"Road safety is everyone's responsibility - it's that simple."