Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils' Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that double demerit points would run from Friday 21 December 2018 to Tuesday 1 January 2019 inclusive for all speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences.

Ms Suitor said there had been significant reductions in the number of serious crashes in peak holiday periods since the introduction of double demerit point campaigns. 

“Traffic on roads to popular holiday destinations, increases by up to 50 per cent during the Christmas and New Year holiday period, so it is important to obey all the road rules and drive safely,” she said.

“I urge all drivers to be patient on the roads and take care.  

“Be aware of the early warning signs of driver fatigue, stick to the speed limit and drive to the conditions, wear your seatbelt and ensure your passengers are all restrained, reduce distractions in the car and avoid mixing alcohol with driving.  

“We want everyone to have a happy and safe Christmas with their families - please obey the road rules and drive safely.”

NSW Police Chief Inspector David Cooper is also warning motorists to obey the road rules.

“Operation Safe Arrival will be running from 21 December through to 1 January and all available Highway Patrol Officers will be working,” Chief Inspector Cooper said. 

“All Police cars are a mobile RBT unit – it is not just rhetoric, it is true. In Central West Police District we will be concentrating our efforts on back roads and regional roads.

“All it takes for people to be hurt or killed this holiday period is for a road user to make one bad choice.

“Nearly every one of us knows of someone who has been involved in a crash on our roads.

“Distractions such as looking at your phone means you’re not fully focused on the task at hand.  

“We all know that seat belts save lives and that drink-driving and speeding creates a real risk to yourself and everyone else around you.

“So this holiday period, if you choose to speed, to look at your phone, to drink and drive, it’s not just yourself you’re putting at risk, it could be someone you know and love that you’re putting at risk.”