Double demerits are now in force as part of police efforts to keep rural roads safe over the holiday period.

From today until 11:59pm on Wednesday 1 January, the penalty will apply to speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt, and motorcycle helmet offences as part of Operation Christmas/New Year 2024.

Traffic and Highway Patrol North West Region Commander, Superintendent Paul Glinn, said officers will be out and about- from major motorways to backstreets.

"Every police car can and will complete random breath testing (RBT) and random drug testing (RDT) – so expect to see police anywhere anytime across Western NSW," Superintendent Glinn said.

"We are particularly focused on rural and regional areas where longer travel distances, driver fatigue, animals on the roadway, and varying road conditions can contribute to crashes.

"Our goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of where they are travelling, can enjoy a safe holiday season. We want you to get to your destination, enjoy your holiday, and travel home safely too."

SOURCE: Transport for NSW

Three hundred and thirty people have died in crashes on NSW roads this year as at 17 December, 244 of those in regional areas.

Of the 166 drivers recorded killed last year, 137 were male, according to Transport for NSW.

Men also were also overrepresented in the number of passengers, motorcyclists, passengers and pedestrians killed in 2023.

“The most important gift you can give this festive season is being responsible. Be the motorist who obeys the road rules and drives to the conditions, not the motorist who drives recklessly and kills someone,” Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said.

“While police will be out in force, please remember that road safety is everyone’s responsibility. You don’t want to be the person whose irresponsible behaviour changes a life – or lives – forever.

“What’s worse than getting a fine in the mail or losing your licence, is being the reason a family has an empty chair at their table this Christmas."