Police Minister Yasmin Catley has issued a reminder to all motorists to stop and think that the decisions they make on the road could mean the difference between life and death.

The NSW Police Force will launch a statewide police operation to target drivers and riders speeding, drink- and drug-driving, fatigue and distracted driving, to prevent road trauma during the King’s Birthday long weekend.

The operation gets underway at 12am on Friday and will run until midnight on Monday night. Double demerit points will apply for the duration of the operation.

Police will target traffic offences with the aim of preventing serious crashes and deaths.

Officers from all specialist areas, police area commands and police districts will support the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, with extended patrols across metropolitan and regional NSW.

This includes support of officers from general duties, the Public Order and Riot Squad, the Operations Support Group, the Mounted Unit, PolAir and Licensing Police.

There have been 157 lives lost this year, which is 14 more fatalities than this time last year.

During the June long weekend traffic operation last year there were two fatalities.

Across the state this year to the end of May, police issued more than 170,000 traffic infringement notices, including 75,417 speed infringements, conducted more 1.5 million breath tests with 5351 people charged with drink-driving. They have also conducted 83,318 drug tests and recorded 5179 positive drug detections. Police attended 16,741 major crashes.

“Long weekends are meant for rest and time with our loved ones – not tragedy. But every year, we see lives lost in crashes that could have been avoided. Behind each of those deaths is a shattered family, a devastated community and emergency workers facing trauma no one should have to witness,” Catley said.

“Driving recklessly isn’t brave or bold – it’s selfish. Whether it’s speeding, driving under the influence, or picking up your phone behind the wheel, the consequences can be catastrophic and irreversible.

“This long weekend, make smart choices so you and those around you make it home safely. One bad decision can cause a lifetime of pain – don’t let that be your legacy this weekend.”

Police are urging motorcyclists to drive safely after four riders lost their lives and two teenagers were injured in a three-day period last week.

Four men and two teenagers were involved in fatal or serious crashes across the state between 8.45am on Thursday and 2am on Sunday. This brings the number of motorcyclists killed on NSW roads to 36.

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said all motorists had a responsibility to make safe decisions to ensure everyone returned home safely.

“One bad decision on the road can cost you more than double demerits – it could cost a life,” Aitchison said.

“Speed is the number one cause of crashes on NSW roads. In fact, so far in 2025, one third of deaths on our roads has involved speeding as a factor.

“Every road user has a responsibility to be vigilant, drive safely and follow the road rules, not just during the long weekend, but at all times.

“Double demerits are in place to deter drivers from making decisions that put lives at risk when our roads are busy with people travelling around NSW.

“There are simple things everyone can do to help make our roads safer. That includes staying under the speed limit and driving to the conditions, wearing a seatbelt, never driving when tired, not using a mobile phone while driving, having a Plan B before drinking and never, ever driving if affected by drugs or alcohol.”

Members of the public are urged to report motorists engaged in dangerous driving to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.