Motorists urged to drive safely during school holidays after horror month

Wednesday, 16 April 2025 08:38:28 AM

Police are urging motorists to take extra care these school holidays following an increase in fatalities on the state’s roads.

Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisanos said the number of lives lost on our roads this year has already reached an alarming level, with 39 crashes resulting in 41 people killed in March, the highest in a month since 2019.

“Last year in NSW there were 85 murders; however, four times as many people – 338 – died on our roads: that is a senseless loss of life,” Deputy Commissioner Pisanos said.

“The only way to stop the carnage is for drivers to step-up and stick to the rules, it’s just not worth your life. One wrong move behind the wheel and you’re dead.

“With the death last night of a man in Muswellbrook, 103 people have now died on NSW roads this year; that’s far too many families left without a son, father, daughter or mother, the road toll rips lives apart,” he said.

Of those fatalities, 19 were aged 26 to 35, 18 were aged 76 to 95, followed by 17 aged between 18 to 25. The young man who died last night is awaiting formal identification.

Of these, 45 were drivers, 17 passengers, 27 motorcyclists, nine pedestrians and five cyclists.

Regional roads account for the deadliest roads for fatalities this year, with six people killed on the Princes Highway, six people killed on the Hume Highway, and four on the Pacific Highway.

NSW Police will have a high-visibility presence across the state during Operation Easter 2025 and Operation ANZAC Day 2025 to coincide with a higher number of motorists travelling across the state.

Double demerits will be in place from Thursday 17 April 2025 until Monday 21 April 2025 inclusive for all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.

A second double demerits period will be in effect from Thursday 24 April 2025 until Sunday 27 April 2025.

The police operations will occur during the NSW school holidays, where a large number of families will be travelling to and from destinations across the state.

Officers will be targeting risky driver behaviour, including the Four Ds: drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving, as well as speeding, not wearing seatbelts, and mobile phone use.

This year, there have been more than 51,100 speeding offences detected by police along with 3350 drink driving offences and more than 5,200 illegal mobile phone offences.

The high-visibility policing operation is a statewide operation and will involve general duties officers, assisted by specialist police, including the Public Order and Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Mounted Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and Police Transport Command.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said police will maintain a zero-tolerance approach to dangerous driving behaviour, just as they do every day of the year.

“We know this is an exciting time – everyone’s eager to get where they’re going and be with family and friends but we want you to get there safely, this means slowing down, driving to the conditions and making smart choices every time you get behind the wheel,” Minister Catley said.

“Don’t make this a holiday to remember for all the wrong reasons. No one wants their long weekend story to end with flashing lights, a court date, or worse: a knock on the door that no family should ever receive.

“If you speed, drive under the influence, use your phone, or push through fatigue – you’re putting lives at risk. Don’t do it. Slow down, switch off, and stop if you’re tired. It’s that simple.”

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver, reminded motorists to drive to the conditions, anticipate delays and respect all other road users.

“Drivers need to take responsibility and know that with the extra police presence on our roads that they will be held to account for their actions,” Assistant Commissioner Driver said.

“Drivers are reminded that if they are travelling with luggage, the additional weight means cars will take longer to stop. Therefore, leave plenty of space between other vehicles.

“We need every road user – whether they’re a driver, passenger, motorcyclist, cyclist, or pedestrian – to follow the road rules, not become complacent and to make smart choices.

“That includes sticking to the speed limit, wearing a seatbelt, never driving when tired, not using a mobile phone while driving and do not drive if affected by drugs or alcohol.

“Drivers are reminded to take regular breaks and be patient and calm in holiday traffic.”

Transport for NSW Secretary, Josh Murray, is urging everyone travelling on NSW’s roads this Easter to put safety first.

“Safety is everyone’s responsibility. I’m urging all drivers to be alert, patient and considerate – especially with more people expected on our roads across the next two weeks of long weekends,” Mr Murray said.

“Tragically, too many lives have already been lost in crashes in NSW this year. These aren’t statistics: they're young lives full of promise, best friends, mums and dads who won’t make it home to waiting families.

“We all share the road – and share the responsibility. Drive so others survive.

“Let’s make sure everyone gets to their destination safely and enjoys their Easter and Anzac weeks.

“And to the frontline staff working through the long weekends – thank you. Your efforts keep the network moving and our communities safe.”

INCIDENTS OF NOTE INCLUDED IN VISION

• About 5.40pm on Sunday 13 April 2025, officers attached to Newcastle Police District detected a driver on the Inner-City Bypass, Hillsborough, travelling 154km/h in a signposted 90km/h speed zone. The driver, a 33-year-old man, was stopped and issued with a traffic infringement notice for class A motor vehicle exceed speed limit – over 45km/h – radar. His licence was suspended and his registration was cancelled.

• About 9.50am on Sunday 16 March 2025, officers attached to New England Police District stopped a provisional one motorcycle rider on Bundarra Road, Saumarez Ponds, after he was detected travelling 171km/h in a 90km/h speed zone. The rider was issued a traffic infringement notice for P1 driver exceed speed limit – over 45km/h – radar. His licence was suspended for six months.

• About 7.30pm on Sunday 26 January 2025, officers attached to New England Police District detected a driver on the Carnarvon Highway, near Moree, travelling 190km/h. The driver, a 50 year-old man, was stopped and issued with a traffic infringement notice for class A motor vehicle exceed speed limit – over 45km/h – radar, and his number plates were seized for three months.

• About 12.40am on Tuesday 25 March 2025, officers attached to Fairfield Police Area Command observed a driver on the Hume Highway, Casula, travelling about 85km/h in a 70km/h zone. Police attempted to stop the driver on Campbelltown Road, Casula, however, he failed to do so and police initiated a pursuit. The car travelled into a nearby carpark before the driver left the car. PolAir and the Dog Unit were called to search for the driver however were unsuccessful. Inquiries continue.

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