Police will be out in force targeting dangerous driving this holiday period as part of the state's end of year road operation designed to keep people safe on our roads during the busy festive season.
Operation Christmas/New Year 2024 will commence at 12.01am tomorrow (Friday 20 December 2024) and conclude at 11.59pm on Wednesday 1 January 2025.
Double demerit points will apply for the duration of the operation for speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt, and motorcycle helmet offences.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley is urging everyone to play their part and stay safe on the roads this holiday season.
"This is such a special time of year – a chance to celebrate with family and friends but it's also one of the most dangerous times to be on the road," Minister Catley said.
"Some people think it's okay to check a text, speed on familiar roads, or drive tired, but road rules exist to keep everyone safe. While police will be out and about patrolling this holiday season, it's up to all of us to take responsibility – and if you do the wrong thing, you can expect to see red and blue lights in your rear-view mirror.
"You don't want to get a fine in the mail or lose your licence, but even worse, you don't want to be the reason someone misses out on celebrating with their loved ones this Christmas.
"So please, drive like your life depends on it – because it does," Minister Catley said.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said sadly six people died as a result of crashes on our roads during the Christmas and New Year double demerit period last year.
"Every choice you make on the road can save lives.
"With many people expected to be on the roads travelling across the state to celebrate the festive season, I remind everyone to be vigilant and allow extra time to travel, even for short trips.
"It's easy to become complacent about road safety, but unsafe driving can have tragic consequences.
"I urge everyone to obey the road rules and make safe decisions every time you're behind the wheel, so everyone can reach their destinations safely to enjoy the holidays with their loved ones.
"You can avoid heavy penalties, and more importantly avoid hurting yourself or other people on the road, by staying under the speed limit, putting your phone away, correctly wearing a seatbelt and giving yourself plenty of travel time.
"If you're riding a motorcycle, I also urge you to follow this advice and always wear a helmet and protective gear," Minister Aitchison said.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Command officers, together with local police across NSW, will be enforcing all road-related legislation, including speeding, drink and drug driving, distractions, driver fatigue, and any dangerous driving behaviours which put the safety of road users at risk.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman, said the holiday period is traditionally the busiest time of year on NSW roads and police will be out in force across the state to encourage compliance with the road rules.
"Sadly, we have seen an increase of fatal crashes on our roads in recent weeks, which is devastating to families, friends and whole communities," Acting Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman said.
"Our traffic enforcement activities seek to ensure all road users get to their destinations safely, and I urge people to consider the potential impacts of irresponsible behaviour – which can change lives forever.
"The risk of a fine or the loss of demerit points should deter people from breaking the law. However, not putting the lives of others at risk should be the incentive to use our roads safely.
"People can expect to see a highly-visible police presence on all roads across NSW – from major motorways to backstreets.
"We urge people to drive safely, this means not driving while you are tired, taking breaks on long trips, driving to the conditions and not getting behind the wheel if you have been drinking alcohol, have taken illicit drugs or are impaired in any way," Acting Assistant Commissioner Chapman said.
So far this year, as of 17 December 2024, 330 people have died in crashes on NSW roads – 244 of those in regional areas. For the same period last year, 331 people died in crashes in NSW – 235 of those in regional areas.
Road Trauma Support Group founding member, Duncan Wakes-Miller lost his 17-year-old son in a crash in 2020 where he was a passenger in a car being driven by a drunk and speeding P-plater.
"My son Barney was killed by a speeding, drunk driver on Sydney's Northern Beaches. The ripple effect of road trauma is profound, devastating, and long-lasting for our family and in our community.
"Dangerous and drunk driving should be treated as socially unacceptable by everyone, just as domestic violence is unacceptable. If you drive drunk you will get caught and if you drive too fast you will lose your licence. Be safe this Christmas holiday.
"Please everyone 'speak up and step in' to prevent road deaths," Mr Wakes-Miller said.
To help plan your trip anywhere in NSW, up-to-the minute traffic conditions can be found at: https://www.livetraffic.com.
Members of the public are urged to report motorists engaged in dangerous driving to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about unsafe or dangerous behaviour on NSW roads is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
