NSW Police Force and Transport for NSW are urging motorists to slow down, plan ahead and drive to the conditions as thousands of families prepare to hit the road for the spring school holidays.
Friday 25 September is the final day of Term 3 for NSW public schools but arrangements vary locally and many are expected to begin their holidays early, with increased traffic anticipated from Thursday afternoon and evening and throughout Friday.
Motorists should expect heavier traffic leaving Sydney and other metropolitan centres, as well as increased volumes on regional roads.
So far this year 253 people have lost their lives on NSW roads, which is eight more than the same period last year (as of midnight Tuesday 22 September).
The figure includes nine separate crashes across the state since Thursday last week (17 September 2026), which took the lives of seven men, a teenage boy and a teenage girl in Osbourne, Bodalla, Corrimal, Katoomba, Booral, Eden, Hornsby, Chatswood, and Point Clare.
Commander of the Traffic and Highway Patrol, Assistant Commissioner David Driver, is urging all road users to take personal responsibility and caution for their actions and keep safety as the top priority.
"Police want everyone to get to their destination safely and to enjoy the school holidays. During the school holidays police will have a particular focus on speed enforcement, general compliance and roadside alcohol and drug testing," Assistant Commissioner Driver said.
"Our message is clear and simple. Police will not tolerate actions that place other road users at risk. Make sensible decisions, follow the road rules and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Together, we can keep our roads safe for everyone
Secretary of Transport for NSW, Josh Murray echoed NSW Police's appeal saying one death on NSW roads is one too many.
"We expect to see more traffic on the roads for school holidays and it's important everyone is patient and takes care when travelling," Mr Murray said.
"If you're behind the wheel, please stick to the speed limit and drive to the conditions, sometimes that can mean slowing down significantly if the weather is bad.
"If you're on a motorcycle wear a helmet and protective gear and stay alert. If you're on a bicycle or e-bike also make sure you've got a helmet on and are paying attention to other road users. And if you're a pedestrian - eyes up off the phone at crossings and never assume cars will stop for you even if you have right of way.
"Everyone deserves to get home safely - whether it's a short trip to the shops or a longer journey for a school holiday escape. Please take care on the roads, the choices you make can be the difference between life and death," Mr Murray said.
