Rural road trauma will be the focus of a police operation launching this weekend in the state's Southern Region.
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Operation Chrome will be in place throughout Southern NSW from today, Friday, May 1, through to Sunday, May May 3.
Local police will work alongside traffic and highway patrol officers, providing a coordinated effort to reducing rural road trauma throughout the region.
Drivers and riders should expect to see more police on rural roads and highways over the coming days, targeting risky driver behaviours.
Southern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar, said despite the current pandemic, police will still be out and about in an effort to reduce rural road trauma.
"Two thirds of all fatalities in NSW happen on rural roads, so road safety is and will continue to be a priority for us in the Southern Region," he said.
"Our officers will be out and about this weekend, focusing on roads in rural areas that are claiming far too many lives.
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"Road safety is everyone's responsibility. If every driver or rider takes personal responsibility for their actions, it will save lives. It's that simple."
NSW Minister for Police David Elliott said tragically, 24 lives have been lost on roads throughout the Southern Region so far this year - 24 too many.
"At a time when our emergency services workers are focused on the fight against the pandemic, our dedicated police officers will be out and about to prevent further unnecessary loss of life," he said.
"With the concerning weather conditions predicted for the Snowy Mountains this weekend, coupled with COVID-19 travel restrictions, I would like to remind the community to stay at home."
Monaro Police District Commander, Superintendent Paul Condon, said hazardous conditions are expected on alpine roads this weekend.
"We are expecting blizzard conditions and damaging winds in our alpine areas, which will have an impact on our roads," Supt Condon said.
"Those who are driving on alpine roads need to remember to slow down and pay close attention as conditions can change very quickly.
"I would also like to remind the public that travelling to the Snowy Mountains to look at the snow this weekend is not considered essential travel."
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