Police are again out in force across the state this Anzac Day long weekend, with a warning to drivers that one bad decision can take a life and changes others forever.
NSW Police has launched Operation ANZAC Day 2025, which includes a high-visibility presence on NSW roads, with double demerits now in effect until Sunday 27 April 2025.
The reminder comes after three people lost their lives over the Easter long weekend. Sadly, this brings the number of lives lost to 107 compared to 106 lives lost for the same period last year.
The police operation coincides with the end of the school holidays when many families are expected to return home from their travel destinations.
Police from all specialists areas will be supporting the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, with extended patrols across metropolitan and regional NSW. This includes support of officers from general duties, the Public Order and Riot Squad, the Operations Support Group, the Mounted Unit, PolAir and Licensing Police.
Police will target risky driver behaviour such as drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving, as well as speeding, not wearing seatbelts, and mobile phone use.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said all road users are being warned that if they do the wrong thing, then police will catch them.
"If you're thinking about speeding, texting while driving, or getting behind the wheel after a few drinks - think again," Minister Catley said.
"It's not worth your life, or the life of someone else.
"Make this weekend one to remember for the right reasons. Slow down, stay sharp, and make smart choices on our roads."
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver, is reminding motorists to expect traffic delays, be patient with other road users, and focus on everyone returning home safely.
"Don't gamble with your licence or any lives this long weekend. And don't let an irreversible decision behind the wheel change the course of your life," he said.
Assistant Commissioner Driver said police are particularly concerned about motorists driving with alcohol and drugs, being distracted or speeding.
"During the Easter Long Weekend Operation, 1 in 10 drivers who were subject to random drug testing tested positive to the presence of illegal drugs in their system. This is very concerning, and people need to understand that any presence of illegal drugs detected is not acceptable," he said.
"Alcohol also affects people in different ways. Motorists are reminded that they could still be affected by alcohol the following day, which could push them over the legal limit.
"I ask that people think carefully and make wise decisions about how much alcohol they have had before they get behind the wheel.
"Drivers also need to understand that seconds of inattention can have disastrous consequences, for example, if you're travelling at 100km/h and you glance down at your phone, by the time you look up, you've travelled the length of an Olympic pool."
"Any level of speeding decreases your ability to stop and increases the consequences of a crash. Don't put other road users at risk by breaking the law."
