Drivers failing to make the right decisions can lead to "catastrophic consequences", and it's becoming an increasing concern for the region's police.
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Riverina Highway Patrol Acting Inspector Brett Collins said it is a problem that has stood out to officers out enforcing the law.
"It starts with the driver inability to pick the safe times to overtake without breaking the speed limit," he said.
"Once that inability transgresses into actions, that's when a dangerous driving occurs, and the risk happens."
Inspector Collins said while it is not a unique problem to the Riverina, drivers should be taking care every time they choose to get behind the wheel of the car.
That includes driving to the conditions and making sure not to be distracted, such as by using a mobile phone.
NSW State Revenue data reveals that between July 2020 and March 2019, Wagga Highway Patrol has issued 217 tickets for mobile phone offences.
That is up on 81 for the same time period in 2019 to 2020 [during which the COVID lockdown occurred] and 192 in 2018 to 2019.
Inspector Collins added that another concern is that several fatalities in the region have been due to speed or drivers not factoring in conditions.
"The only factor that can be proven is the inability is the rider or driver," Inspector Collins said.
"I would urge the community to take it easy and think of their own family and others when making a split decision that could lead to catastrophic consequences.
"Every adverse decision can lead to devastating outcomes."
Inspector Collins said officers conduct multiple proactive programs through schools, businesses and government agencies to combat unsafe behaviour.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Director of Roadcraft Driving Services and retired police officer Paul Dawson said recent media reports coupled with incidents he has witnessed while on the road with students have left him concerned.
One of the significant issues Mr Dawson has seen is drivers choosing to overtake or turn in front of oncoming traffic without leaving enough room.
"People look up ahead and see a car a fair bit away and think 'oh, I can get out and get ahead," he explained.
"By the time the person decides, how they are going to get and complete the manoeuvre.
"While they are doing 100km/h, they are travelling 27 metres a second, and the other car coming at them is probably doing the same, and we have a problem."
Mr Dawson said similar issues arise when a driver chooses to turn across another lane, and by the time they make the decision and move, the other car could "be on top of them".
"Say a vehicle is coming at you from an opposing direction, and you are 500 metres away, a bit over eight seconds, and you are on top of each other," he said.
"That's how we have a head-on crash, so that is a cause concern when we see people having problems judging speed and distance."
Mr Dawson said it was critical for anyone getting behind the wheel to remember that the car is almost like a weapon.
He explained that while teaching, he also witnesses a lot of drivers going over the speed limit.
"Even that five to 10km/hr difference means a lot more retained energy, and it will take us longer to stop," he said.
"Therefore, instead of being able to stop, you might hit someone or another car.
"You need to be sticking to the speed limit, and modern vehicles are very smooth and very quiet, so it is very easy to creep up over the limit."
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