NSW Police officers are issuing an urgent plea to drivers to slow down over the Easter long weekend after a concerning rise in the number of fatal crashes across the state this year.
As part of the Easter road safety campaign, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command officers have shared personal experiences from attending crash scenes in a further effort to reduce road trauma this long weekend.
NSW Police will have a high-visibility presence across the state during Operation Easter 2026 from 12.01am Thursday 2 April 2026 to 11.59pm Monday 6 April 2026, which coincides with a higher number of motorists travelling across the state for the long weekend or school holidays.
The high-visibility police operation involves officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command with the assistance of general duties and specialist police from all police commands and districts across the state.
A double demerits period targeting speeding, mobile phone use, seatbelt and helmet offences will be in place for the same time period.
There have been 88 lives lost on NSW roads this year, which is 11 more than the same time last year.
Slow down!
The Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley asked drivers to slow down and play their part in ensuring everyone gets home safely. ‘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,’ Minister Catley said.
‘This Easter, we’re asking drivers to think about the people that matter most to them and slow down, drive to the conditions and make smart choices. 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.’
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver said the Easter long weekend should be a time for families to come together, not receive a knock on the door from police delivering the worst news imaginable.
‘The police message this Easter long weekend is simple – slow down,’ Assistant Commissioner Driver said. ‘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.’
Avoid road trauma
Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison also urged everyone on the roads this long weekend to follow the rules to help keep everyone safe.
‘Whether you’re spending the Easter long weekend at home or heading off on a weekend away – my message remains the same. Buckle up, follow the road rules and keep to the speed limit,’ Minister Atchinson said.
‘The same goes for motorcyclists as well – wear your helmet, gear up properly and ride to the conditions.
‘Road trauma has a lasting impact far beyond the crash. It affects those living with life-changing injuries, the families and friends who lose loved ones, and the first responders who attend these scenes.
‘Road safety is built on responsibility – from all of us. Take your time, stay focused and make safe choices every time you get behind the wheel.’
Plan your trip by downloading the Live Traffic NSW app, visiting livetraffic.com, calling 132 701, or using the TfNSW journey planning tool myjourneynsw.info.
Members of the public are urged to report motorists engaged in dangerous driving to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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