AS THE October long weekend approaches those travelling to see friends or relatives during the school holidays have been warned to take it easy on the road.
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Double demerits will again be in operation over the weekend, with drivers urged to watch their speed and plan their journeys.
The double demerit points period for the Labour Day long weekend will run from Friday to Monday inclusive.
Leeton Shire Council road safety and traffic officer Steph Puntoriero said fines and demerits would be applied to speeding, seatbelt and other offences.
"Drivers are urged to plan any journeys to build in rest breaks," she said.
"We would particularly like to target this message to motorcyclists this year as the fine weather should bring many riders to our roads.
"In Leeton shire around 14 per cent of all our fatal and injury crashes over the last five years have involved motorcyclists, with the majority being single vehicle crashes."
Some drivers do not seem to be getting the message regarding speeding, according to Mrs Puntoriero.
"Speeding remains one of the biggest reasons for drivers receiving double demerits and doing 65 kilometres an hour in a 50km zone will easily notch up another six points," she said.
"It is also the single biggest cause of death and injury on our roads.
"NSW Police and council are hoping that drivers will get the message this year.
"Don't speed and don't drink and drive this holiday weekend. You're putting the lives of yourself and others at risk and you will get caught."
