The NSW Police Force has conducted its first ‘Beat the Blue’ fundraising event in Sydney, comparing the driving skills of Traffic and Highway Patrol Command officers with 100 amateur drivers.
Assistant Police Commissioner, Traffic and Highway Patrol, Michael Corboy, said the event gave the public a chance to ‘face off’ against police officers in a safe and controlled environment.
Assistant Commissioner Corboy said road safety demonstrations were held throughout the event, which was designed to promote safe driving and break down barriers between police and the community.
“We are proud to support ‘Beat the Blue’ which has been organised by Senior Constable Steven Planinic, who has spent 11 of his 15 years of service with Traffic and Highway Patrol Command,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
“By participating in events like this, our officers build relationships with the community and help spread important road safety messaging so that we can reduce trauma on our roads,” he said.
“So far this year, more than 200 lives have been lost on NSW roads and, as always, we are calling on all road users to play their part and obey the road rules to make sure that everyone makes it to their destinations safely.”
Senior Constable Steven Planinic of the Fairfield Traffic and Highway Patrol said the aim of the event was to bring car enthusiasts and police together.
He said the event was an opportunity for police to pass on the skills they learn as Highway Patrol Officers to members of the public.
“While police and the community will have the opportunity to go head to head with one another, this is not about going quick – it is about knowing the limits of your own driving skills and how your car performs,” Snr Cst Planinic said.
“We have a tight and challenging course and after the first round, Highway Patrol staff and instructors from our major sponsors, will chat with the drivers and offer advice to improve their technical skills.”
Snr Cst Planinic said all money raised from the event was donated to NSW Police Legacy, a charity which supports the families of fallen police officers.
