This is the message from Orana Local Area Command Inspector Dan Skelly ahead of the Easter long weekend as police work to reduce the number of fatalities on NSW roads.

Inspector Skelly said motorists must slow down, drive to conditions, take regular breaks and be responsible behind the wheel during the Easter long weekend traffic operation. 

Operation Tortoise comes into force at 12.01am on Thursday, April 13 and will conclude at 11.59pm on Monday, April 17. Double-demerits will be in force throughout the operation.

“We’ll have all of our available resources out and about during this period and we’ll be on the hunt,” Inspector Skelly said.

“Basically we want people to go away if they’re going, have a good time over Easter and come back.

“Police and the community would like nothing more than to have a zero fatality Easter break. We’ll be assisting in driving that road toll toward zero.”

To date this year 10 people have died in accidents across the Western region, two of which occurred in the Orana region and contribute to the 91 lives lost in NSW this year.

Inspector Skelly said motorists must take responsibility and make decisions based on the conditions.

“Drivers have the answer in their hands – the steering wheel and the control of the vehicle, all they need to do is drive responsibly and drive to conditions,” he said.

“It’s not always the case that a speed limit on a particular roadway is appropriate for the prevailing conditions.

“Especially at Easter – it’s part of Aussie tradition to get in the car and drive a long way to make it feel like we’ve gotten away.

“Take your time and get your family there and home in one piece. Drive to survive and get there alive.”

Inspector Skelly said for every person killed or hurt on the roads, seven more are impacted.