NSW Police have today kicked off the October long weekend double demerits period urging drivers to get home safe for the end of the school holidays.
From October 3 to 6 inclusive, double demerits will be in force and motorists can expect to see increased high-visibility patrols, random drug and alcohol testing, and speed enforcement.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Stuart Ayres said last year seven people lost their lives across the October long weekend - the highest fatality total for this long weekend since 2010.
"This is why we're reminding drivers to be extra careful on the roads over the next few days and get home safe," Mr Ayres said.
Acting Inspector Paul Colefax from Young Police Station said while it was important to take extra care this weekend, drivers in regional areas should remain cautious over the coming months as harvest took place.
"At this time of year we are coming into harvest and people need to be aware there is going to be large farm machinery and larger amounts of traffic than usual on rural roads," Inspector Colefax said.
"Rural roads require more care when driving, especially unsealed roads, and you can't assume you're the only person on the road."
The advice follows an accident last week that involved two four-wheel-drives on an unsealed road near Young.
The 80-year-old driver of one vehicle and his 48-year-old passenger were airlifted to a Canberra hospital with suspected serious injuries.
The driver of the second vehicle, a 22-year-old man, received minor facial injuries.
