Police are urging drivers to stay safe on the roads this long weekend, with double demerits coming in to force from Thursday.
With plenty of people hitting the road for the Easter break, police have issued a plea for people to taxe extra care.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said the Easter long weekend should be a time for families to come together, not receive a knock on the door from police delivering the worst news imaginable.
“Last year there were 355 fatalities, which is almost one death every day. That was 28 more than 2024. This trend is deeply concerning and completely avoidable,” Driver said.
“Every fatality is a life cut short and a family who will never be the same.
“Telling a family member someone has died in a road fatality is one of the most difficult parts of the job.
“The officers not only deal with the emotions of a life lost; but the sights, smells and sounds provide a reminder of the crash well after they have left the scene.
“Police are imploring drivers to do their part to stop the number of lives lost from climbing any higher.”
There will be a high-visibility presence from NSW Police during Operation Easter 2026 from 12.01am on Thursday, April 2 to 11.59pm on Monday, April 6.
A double demerits period targeting speeding, mobile phone use, seatbelt and helmet offences will be in place.
The high visibility police operation involves officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command with the assistance of general duties and specialist police from all police commands and districts across the state.
This year there have been 90 lives lost on NSW roads, which is nine more than same time last year.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley said: “This Easter, we’re asking drivers to think about the people that matter most to them and slow down, drive to the conditions and make smart choices,” she said.
Members of the public are urged to report motorists engaged in dangerous driving to 1800 333 000.
“Every fatality is a life cut short and a family who will never be the same,” Driver said.
