Three men have died in separate single-vehicle crashes in the state's north, on the second day of Operation Safe Arrival.
Operation Safe Arrival started at midnight on Friday (20 December 2019) and ends 11.59pm on New Year's Day (Wednesday 1 January 2020).
Double demerit points will be in force throughout the period for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.
NSW Police officers will also be targeting other poor driver behaviour, including drink-and-drug-driving.
About 5am yesterday (Saturday 21 December 2019), a 30-year-old man died after his Toyota Hilux utility left the road at Glendon Brook, near Singleton, and rolled.
In a second crash north-east of Lismore, a man died after his Jeep Patriot left the road at Eltham about 4.30pm and hit a tree. He is yet to be formally identified.
In a third crash south of Kempsey, a man died after his Range Rover left the road at Kundabung. He was found on the roadway near the vehicle and is yet to be formally identified.
Inquiries continue into the circumstances surrounding each crash and reports are being prepared for the Coroner.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy, said it is disappointing to see in the first two days of the operation five people have lost their lives, three of these in single-vehicle crashes on regional roads.
"Planning ahead is the best way to avoid being tired. Make sure you are well-rested before getting behind the wheel, plan to take regular breaks and share the driving with a friend or family member if you can," Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
"These fatalities mean more families will have a loved one missing from holiday celebrations.
"If that isn't enough to encourage people to drive safely, I don't know what is," Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
Some examples of irresponsible driver behaviour detected during day two (Saturday 21 December 2019) include;
About 7.15am, North Shore Highway Patrol allegedly detected a motorcycle – displaying "L" plates – travelling 136km/h in a signposted 80 km/h. The rider was stopped and spoken to, stating he needed to use a toilet. The rider was issued an infringement for exceed speed over 45km/h, his licence was suspended for six months and his registration plates were confiscated for three months.
About 2.45pm, a 39-year-old man was stopped on Kamilaroi Highway, Boggabri, for a roadside breath test. After returning a positive result, he was arrested and taken to Boggabri Police Station where a breath analysis returned a reading of 0.219. He was issued a Field Court Attendance Notice for drive with high-range PCA to appear at Moree Local Court on Thursday 13 February 2020. His licence was also suspended.
Key statistics (progressive total):
Speed infringements: 2,012
Breath tests: 80,044
PCA charges: 109
Major crashes: 149
Fatalities: 5
