“The RTA is working with police and urging all motorists to drive within the speed limits, wear seat belts and helmets and make safety the most important priority on the roads this Christmas.

“Speeding is the major cause of death and injury on NSW roads.

“There were 1931 speeding related crashes on NSW roads last summer which claimed 38 lives,” an RTA spokesperson said.

“NSW Police will be carrying out a number of operations over the summer, specifically targeting speeding motorists.

“There will be 40 highway patrol vehicles out on the roads over the festive season – it’s not worth risking your licence or your life, and the lives of others.

“With many families and friends travelling long distances over the holiday period and traffic increasing up to fifty percent on some of NSW highways, motorists are also reminded to ‘Stop, Revive, Survive’.

“Last year driver fatigue caused one-in-five fatal crashes on NSW roads and statistics reveal that fatigue fatalities are 24 per cent higher in summer than in winter.

“There are over 80 Driver Reviver stations around the state over the summer holidays, and more than 1400

dedicated rest areas.

“Stop and take advantage of the various facilities at these stations including tea, coffee and snacks.

“Revive and survive on our roads this summer.

“It’s important to plan ahead, allow time to travel and stick to the speed limit.

“Avoid fatigue, don’t drive tired and avoid driving between 10pm and 6am.”

With many people expected to start holidays the weekend before Christmas and traffic building up on major routes from this time, double demerits are

coming into force on Friday, December 21.

They will apply through to Tuesday, January 1 inclusive.