With the Southern Region road toll currently at 53, 18 more than this time in 2016, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy of the state’s Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, said that Operation SouthForce is focused on driving down the road toll across the Southern Region.

“We are almost halfway through the year and we already have 18 deaths more than the same time last year. This tragic – and often avoidable loss of life – impacts entire communities and we’re appealing for everyone to share the message of responsible driving and wise judgement on the roads.

“Given the current road toll in southern NSW, those using the Hume and Princes Highways and other road users on roads in Wollongong, Lake Illawarra and Shoalhaven Local Area Commands need to take extra care, which is the focus of this joint operation between the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, working with the NSW Centre for Road Safety. 

"We want those drivers using southern roads for holiday, work, education, or day-to-day activities to get to and from their destinations safely, rather than becoming another sad statistic on our roads." 

"With the support of the NSW Centre for Road Safety, we will have Metropolitan, Operational Support and Taskforce Officers working alongside Southern Traffic and Highway Patrol Command staff, for extended periods, ensuring that those that continue to put themselves, their passengers, and other road users at risk, are identified, prosecuted, and put off our roads." Assistant Commissioner Corboy said. 

Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant said the Southern Region attracts many visitors at this time of year.

“As our winter tourist destinations reach their peak in the coming weeks, the NSW Government urges all road users to drive safely, responsibly and considerately,” Mr Grant said.

“It is tragic to see the road toll in this region rising, despite our best efforts to warn the community about the consequences of dangerous driver behaviour.

“We will not cease in our goal to reach a zero road toll – any higher number is simply unacceptable.”

Bernard Carlon, Executive Director of the NSW Centre for Road safety, said the partnership with police is aimed at educating and raising awareness of the dangers of unsafe driving.

“So far this year, 182 people have died on NSW roads, nine fewer than last year,” Mr Carlon said.

“That’s nine fewer families who have to deal with the terrible loss of a loved one.

“The three biggest killers on our roads are still speed, drink driving and fatigue.

“Last year 157 people died on NSW roads because someone was driving too fast, 83 people died because someone was too tired to drive, and 59 people died because someone had had too much to drink.

“The real tragedy is that all of these deaths were preventable.”