Motorists urged to approach road travel sensibly over the summer

Mr Cutts said December and January are peak periods for road crashes, and implores motorists to use their common sense while driving.

"Around Christmas time, there's a lot of people who rush around getting from one event to the next, which increases the propensity for speeding," he said.

READ ALSO: NRMA's warning after increase in calls to rescue kids locked in cars

"People tend to drink more around this period too, increasing the risk of drink driving, and fatigue can also play a role as people relax into the holiday period."

"In 2019, the region had 90 alcohol-related driving charges and over the last five years, we've had 39 crashes as a result of drink driving, including two fatalities."

Mr Cutts said Bathurst and Blayney Road Safety is running the Plan B 'win a swag' campaign again in 2020, with 50 venues across the region taking part.

READ ALSO: Mayor refuses to let old ambulance station become next TAFE building

"We have more venues participating in the campaign than ever before, and it's pleasing to see them willing to contribute," he said.

"While drink driving has gone down in numbers since random breath testing [RBT] was introduced, there's still room to improve, and we hope the campaign will encourage publicans to use their common sense."

"Driving under the influence puts everyone on the road at risk, not just the driver."

Mr Cutts has also highlighted a number of safety checks for motorists to consider in terms of ensuring vehicles are road ready.

"It's important to keep your car clean [particularly the windscreen and headlights], remove any loose items from the interior and check the appropriate child restraints are fitted," he said.

"In addition, make sure to check your tyres [air and condition] and windscreen washing fluid, and don't leave children and animals in vehicles on hot day, as it's a criminal offence."

READ ALSO: Bathurst traffic: Real-time travel information for Bells Line of Road and Great Western Highway

Mr Cutts is also encouraging motorists to exercise patience on the roads and give other vehicles space, with more travellers willing to get out and about after a year's worth of restrictions.

Double demerits will be in effect from December 24 to January 3, covering speeding, drink driving, mobile phone use and seatbelts.

For more information, visit the Bathurst and Blayney Road Safety Facebook page.