NSW Police are urging Hunter motorists to take extra care on the roads this Easter long weekend, following a troubling increase in fatal crashes across the state.
The warning is part of an annual road safety campaign, with Traffic and Highway Patrol officers sharing first-hand accounts from accident scenes.
This is to encourage safer driving behaviour.
A statewide policing crusade, Operation Easter 2026, starts from 12.01am on Thursday 2 April and continues until 11.59pm on Monday 6 April.
It’s a period when traffic volumes are expected to surge due to the high holiday travel.
Officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command will be joined by general duties and specialist police in a high-visibility crackdown targeting dangerous driving.
Double demerits also apply throughout the operation, with a focus on speeding, mobile phone use, and seatbelt and helmet compliance.
So far in 2026, 90 people have died on NSW roads.
It’s nine more than the same time last year.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said the message to drivers was clear.
“It’s simple… slow down,” he stated.
“Last year there were 355 fatalities, which is almost one death every day.
“That was 28 more than 2024.
“This trend is deeply concerning and completely avoidable.
“Every fatality is a life cut short and a family who will never be the same.
“Telling a family member someone has died in a road fatality is one of the most difficult parts of the job.
“The officers not only deal with the emotions of a life lost; but the sights, smells and sounds provide a reminder of the crash well after they have left the scene.
“Police are imploring drivers to do their part to stop the number of lives lost from climbing any higher.”
Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison also reminded motorists to comply to road rules and prioritise safety.
“Whether you’re spending the Easter long weekend at home or heading off on a weekend away – my message remains the same,” she said.
“Buckle up, follow the road rules and keep to the speed limit.
“The same goes for motorcyclists as well – wear your helmet, gear up properly and ride to the conditions.
“Take your time, stay focused and make safe choices every time you get behind the wheel.”
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said unsafe driving had a ripple effect on families and emergency responders.
“Behind every life lost on the roads is a family left with a lifetime of grief and officers who carry the weight of what they’ve seen long after the sirens stop,” she added.
“Police will be out in force targeting illegal, reckless behaviour because we all want the same thing: to avoid another preventable tragedy and ensure our loved ones make it home alive.”
Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead by downloading the Live Traffic NSW app, visiting livetraffic.com, phoning 132 701, or using the TfNSW journey planning tool.
Members of the public are urged to report motorists engaged in dangerous driving to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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