Thirteen lives have been lost on the Riverina's roads this year

The NSW Police Southern Region Command recorded 10 fatalities within the Riverina Police District in 2019.

But, this year, there have already been 13, leaving the region as second only to the South Coast for highest number of fatalities.

The statistics are also the opposite of the overall trend in NSW which has shown a 13 per cent decrease.

Riverina Highway Patrol Acting Inspector Ben Smith said he is concerned with the easing of restrictions and the border reopening, that there is going to be an influx of traffic incidents.

He added it would seem that jumping into the car and putting on the seatbelt is second nature to most, but a worrying trend shows drivers in the region not following the basic safety step.

"One of the concerning trends for the fatal is improper seatbelts and restraints," Inspector Smith said.

"We just can't understand why people are driving without a seatbelt on.

"For some fatalities, the investigation shows that they were not wearing them at all, and not wearing them correctly is also becoming an issue."

Less than a month ago, two drivers tragically died following separate single-vehicle crashes in the Riverina region in one night.

Inspector Smith said it is distressing to see the number of fatalities increase in the Riverina, especially as the NSW's statistics are down.

Another major problem is drivers reaching for their mobiles.

Inspector Smith said in one afternoon, a highway patrol officer on a motorcycle could issue eight fines just for illegal phone use.

He added it's not hard to obey simple road rules whether it's strapping in, sticking to the speed limit or keeping hands away from phones.

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"There is no excuse," he said.

Inspector Smith added that for some, it might have been a while since they did a long drive and urged everyone to be on alert and take proper rest breaks.

"People will see us out and about more than they have in the last six months," he said.

"Please just think of others when they are on the road and always follow all road rules."

As the festive seasons approaches, the Riverina Police District will soon kick off the annual Operation Safe Arrival.

Double demerit points will be in force throughout the period for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.

Inspector Smith said officers will be out in force, especially after welcoming back reinforcements following the NSW-Victoria border operation shutting down.