Driver behaviour remains in the spotlight after five people lost their lives in the Northern Region across the long weekend.
NSW Police staged Operation ANZAC Day 2025 from Thursday 24 April until Sunday 27 April, with double demerits also in effect.
But, sadly, motorists still aren’t getting the message when they’re behind the wheel.
That was evident, near Singleton on Thursday evening, when a 19-year-old male motorcyclist died in an accident at Mount Thorley.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District were informed the rider was turning onto the Golden Highway when he collided with an Isuzu D-Max on Putty Road at about 6pm.
The motorcyclist died at the scene.
The driver of the D-Max, a 60-year-old man, was uninjured and taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
Tragically, the five regional deaths contributed to a total road toll of 117 lives lost statewide, six more than at the same point in 2024.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said police had witnessed too many fatalities during the school holidays.
“To lose any life is tragic. However, these deaths were avoidable,” he explained.
“This should not be acceptable in our community.
“Drivers have to understand that momentary inattention can have disastrous consequences, it can take a life and ruin many others.
“As police, we will continue to plead with people to travel safely, obey the road rules and reflect on how their bad decisions can impact every single road-user.”
Police focused on speeding, impaired driving, seatbelt offences, mobile phone use and driver distraction.
Locally, a 31-year-old male was caught allegedly speeding on Griffiths Road, Lambton, just after midnight on Friday 25 April.
Officers stopped next to the man’s BMW 3 sedan, where he attempted to switch seats with his passenger before returning a positive blood alcohol reading of 0.190.
He will face Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 22 May.
During the operation, police issued a total of 1,924 infringements, including 615 for speeding, in the Northern Region alone.
They also conducted 26,469 breath tests with 65 people charged with drink-driving and 123 positive roadside drug tests detections.
Officers attended 65 major crashes, too, which resulted in 25 injuries.
There were 32 mobile phone offences detected, 21 restraint-related felonies and 1,256 other traffic transgressions.
Minister for Police Yasmin Catley thanked officers for their efforts and urged drivers to stay alert.
“I implore everyone to make safe, responsible choices every time you operate a motor vehicle,” the Swansea MP said.
“I want to thank our hardworking police who are out there 365 days a year, doing everything they can to keep the roads safe.
“While double demerits have now concluded, officers will continue to target unsafe, risky and illegal behaviours because we want everyone to arrive to their destination safely.”
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