POLICE have urged motorists to exercise caution following a horrific weekend on roads across the Central West and NSW.
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Eight people died in seven fatal crashes since Friday, and several people are in hospital with serious injuries sustained in other crashes.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith said this is not the way police wanted to start the New Year.
"Investigations are continuing into the factors involved in these crashes," Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
"But, we do know that these fatalities occurred in daylight and in good driving conditions."
Operation Safe Return will begin on Friday, January 23, and will run over the Australia Day Long Weekend.
"This will coincide with a four-day double demerit period," Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
"This operation will target the 'fatal five' of speeding, drink/drug driving, not wearing seat belts, distracted driving, and driving whilst tired.
"Getting the basics right has always been the best way of staying safe on the road."
Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith also noted that motorcyclists are over-represented in the road toll.
"Seven of the people killed this year were riding motorcycles," he said.
"This is the height of the riding season so motorcyclists need ride to live and other road users need to be look for bikes."
The following fatal crashes have occurred since Friday
- Northern Road, Luddenham - A 62-year-old woman killed following a head on crash between two cars.
- Newell Highway, Dubbo (car and truck) - The 76-year-old man driving a car and 73-year-old woman in the front passengers seat were killed when the turned into the path of a truck.
- Oxley Highway, Mt Seaview (Wauchope) - a 48-year-old motorcycle rider was killed after being struck from behind by another motorcycle and before colliding with an oncoming car.
- Maddens Road, North Richmond - A 47-year-old woman driver was killed following a crash between a car and 4WD.
- Elm Drive, Tumut - 20-year-old man riding a motorcycle rider killed after hitting a car.
- Mt Panorama Scenic Road, Bathurst - A 43-year-old motorcycle rider was killed after being hit by a 4WD. The pillion sustained serious injuries.
- Mullion Range State Forest, Mullion Creek (Orange). A 43-year-old motorcycle died after his motorcycle left a dirt trail and went into scrub. A pillion passenger sustained minor injuries
- A 16-year-old female is in a critical condition in John Hunter Hospital after falling from a moving vehicle allegedly being driven by a 17-year-old male on Victoria Road East Maitland around midnight on Saturday, January 17.
- A 13-month-old toddler injured in collision with her parent's motor vehicle in the driveway at home at Engadine. The girl was airlifted to Westmead Children's Hospital following the incident which occurred about 1.55pm Sunday, January 28.
- A 90-year-old woman is in John Hunter Hospital following a collision between her mobility scooter and an SUV that occurred at South West Rocks at 11am Sunday, January 18.
- An 80-year-old female is in critical condition in John Hunter Hospital after a head on collision on Nelson Bay Road, Williamtown at 3.30pm on Friday, January 16.
