The annual NSW road traffic safety program concluded yesterday, with results a staggering number of drivers were caught breaking the law.

Over 40,875 Traffic Infringement Notices were handed out across the state over the 17-day double demerit period between 19 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, with police targeting drink and drug driving, fatigue, mobile phone use, speeding and seat belt and helmet offences.

Eight people died on NSW roads during this time, with three of the deaths occurring in the Western Region.

One occurred in Dubbo, one in Mendooran and another in Forbes.

"That’s eight families whose lives have changed forever," NSW Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver said.

""We urge everyone to drive to the conditions and take their responsibility as a motorist seriously – it could be the difference in saving someone’s life."

A total of 3710 infringement notices were handed out in the Western Region.

This included 1281 speeding tickets, 123 drink-driving issues and 314 positive drug tests.

Statewide, police conducted 29,302 random drug tests, with 2415 offences detected, and out of 597,703 breath tests, 939 were over the limit.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley says the rate of drivers consuming drugs and alcohol is alarming.

"There is no excuse to get behind the wheel of a car with alcohol or drugs in your system," she says.

“Anyone who breaks the law is not just gambling with their life, but with the lives of their passengers and others on the road.

"Drive like your life depends on it – because it does."