April bookended by nine days of double demerits

NSW drivers are staring down nine days of double demerits in April, with a two-pronged police crackdown set to hit roads over both the Easter and ANZAC Day long weekends.

While higher fuel prices may deter some motorists from travelling, roads across Junee, the Riverina and the rest of the state are still expected to be busier over both holiday periods, as thousands head away for family gatherings and commemorations.

As a result, April will be bookended by road safety blitzes aimed at curbing the dangerous behaviours most likely to end in tragedy.

The first crackdown will run from Thursday, April 2 to Monday, April 6, before double demerits return from Friday, April 24 to Monday, April 27.

Photo: File/Highway Patrol Images/Flickr

Police will be out in force across Junee, the Riverina and the rest of the state during both enforcement periods, targeting the dangerous driving habits that continue to contribute to serious crashes on regional roads.

In NSW, double demerit points will apply to speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and helmet offences, while ACT drivers face an even broader crackdown, with double demerits applying to all traffic offences.

Authorities are urging drivers to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and keep their cool, warning that one careless mistake could come at a far greater cost than a fine.