Highway Patrol officers were out in full force on Friday as part of the long-weekend’s Operation Slow Down to target drink and drug driving, speeding, and fatigue. 

Among the concerning incidents observed across the Riverina included: 

A speeding mother, carrying two unrestrained children in her car, who clocked 149km/h on the Snowy Mountains Highway near Adelong. 

Two men who tested positive to having illicit drugs in their blood while travelling along the Sturt Highway past Narrandera. A small quantity of the drug ice was also seized from a vehicle. 

A crash in Nangus near Gundagai where a driver was lucky to escape serious injury. 

More than 10 motorists were pulled over by the region’s Highway Patrol officers and advised to take a time-out after displaying symptoms of fatigue. 

Road safety officer at Griffith City Council Greg Balind said the October long weekend carries even more risk because of the rapidly diminishing road conditions. 

“It’s evident that there’s significant damage to the roads right across the district and it’s particularly dangerous because these dangers are not sign posted,” he said. 

“The roads have taken quite a beating from the recent flood events so motorists don’t know what they’re in for.

“Speed is one of the biggest killers on our roads and this will only make it worse.”

Crashes have robbed the state of 292 lives so far this year, which is 54 more than the same time last year. 

NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Acting Assistant Commissioner David Driver urged drivers to take extra care on the roads with the current conditions. 

"Our officers will be out in force over the entirety of the school holidays, and we will not tolerate behaviour that put you, your family and other road users at risk.”