This weekend marks the first King’s Birthday long weekend since King Charles III ascended the throne, and while it might take us a while to remember the new name for the public holiday, one thing you should never forget is road safety.

The former Queen’s Birthday long weekend is typically one of the busiest times of year on NSW roads and this year will be no different.

NSW Police and Transport for NSW have partnered to launch Operation King’s Birthday 2023, targeting excessive speed, alcohol/drug driving, fatigue, seatbelt and distracted driving across the state to prevent injury or death.

Double demerit points will apply for all speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt, and motorcycle helmet offenses until the operation ends at 11.59PM on Monday night.

Acting Assistant Commissioner for Traffic and Highway Patrol Command David Waddell has highlighted the impact fatigue can have on drivers.

This year, 148 people have already lost their lives on NSW roads, with driver fatigue being a factor in at least 20 per cent of incidents.

“Many people will be undertaking long distance driving to see family and friends and I would like to remind them to ensure they have had sufficient rest before undertaking these journeys,” Waddell says. “If you’re feeling fatigued, don’t fight it, just pull up and have a sleep or swap drivers.”

“Driving fatigued is just as dangerous as driving impaired under the influence of alcohol and drug use, which we will also be targeting. On a daily basis, we are detecting drivers affected by alcohol and drugs.”

Travelers are also encouraged to download the Live Traffic NSW app by visiting livetraffic.com to better plan their trips. Anyone that wants to report dangerous driving on NSW roads can also call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.