Yesterday former policeman and NSW Member for Dubbo, Troy Grant, urged drivers to get home safe for the end of the school holidays.

“Motorists can expect to see increased high-visibility patrols, random drug and alcohol testing, and speed enforcement to keep our roads safe,” he said.

“You’ll notice a new double demerits message on television, radio and online that will be used in NSW for every holiday period and features a driver being questioned by two identical policemen - it urges us to think twice before breaking the road rules, or risk facing double the consequences.

“There’s a lot going on this weekend with major sporting events, school holidays and more people out enjoying the warmer weather, which means more people on the roads.

“I encourage everyone to slow down on our roads, whether you’re going away, coming home or just out for a drive.

“Hundreds of lives are saved and many families spared the loss of a loved one, with road safety campaigns.”

Mr Grant said there are a few things motorists can do to make their weekend a good one.

“Get your hand off your phone, if you’re going to drink have a Plan B, and before you leave download our free Speed Adviser App, which tells you the speed limits and makes it easier for you to stick to them,” he said.

“I urge drivers and riders to take extra care and be aware of risky road behaviour that attracts increased penalties such as speeding and not wearing seatbelts and helmets.”

NSW Police are also calling for motorists to be vigilant and exercise caution ahead of an action-packed long weekend on the state’s roads.

Police have launched Operation Slow Down - a high-visibility traffic operation – to combat the road toll which will started at midnight last night and runs until 11.59pm on Monday, October 6.

Last year seven people died on NSW roads on the Labour Day long weekend, while 4924 drivers were detected speeding and 399 charged with drink driving.