From the beginning of 2021 until August 10, there have been 12 fatalities on roads throughout the Riverina Police District.

The latest tragedy occurred on August 9 when two Wagga men in their seventies were killed in a single-truck crash at North Wagga that police authorities described as "freakish".

Riverina Highway Patrol Inspector Darren Moulds said that every day officers continue to see risky behaviours that put the lives of others in danger.

He said while the cause behind many of the fatal crashes this year are either under investigation or are set to go before the coroner, residents must take the responsibility of getting behind a wheel seriously.

Whether it's people using their mobile phones or failing to adjust their speed in wet weather conditions, Inspector Moulds said drivers take risks.

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"People need to ensure they are well-rested and not distracted while driving," he said. "Sometimes people think a signposted speed limit always applies, but they need to be adjusting their speed to the road and weather conditions, so if it's wet, you should be slowing down."

The number of lives taken on the region's roads this year is up on the three previous years for the same bracket of time. From January 1 to August 10, 2020, there were nine killed. For the same period in 2019, it was six, and in 2018, it was nine.

Inspector Moulds said it's tough for first responders to attend fatalities, which is only compounded in a regional area where you are more likely to know the victim.

"It's not only the scene, but it's also dealing with the family members whether through the investigation or the initial death message," he said. "It's also not just fatalities. These numbers don't account for the serious injuries that can have lifelong effects for not only the individual but their families."

Director of Roadcraft Driving Services and retired police officer Paul Dawson said drivers need to wake up and realise that getting behind the wheel is "the most dangerous thing you will do all day".

"I am always seeing people going at 100km/h, which might be the speed limit, but they will be doing it in wet weather conditions or fog," he said.

"The law states you may drive up to the posted speed limit with safety so that might be a 60km/h zone, but if it's not safe, then you can't go that speed."

Mr Dawson said no one wants to be the cause of a severe crash and to ensure they and others get home safely, they have to be responsible when driving.

Executive director at Ron Crouch Transport, Geoff Crouch, said it is always a tragedy when a life is lost on roads.

"Every member of our community deserves to arrive at their destination safe and sound," he said.

"We all have an obligation to do whatever is within our power to ensure this happens.

"We have come such a long way compared to where the road toll was 20 or 25 years ago, but we mustn't stop until such a time as the road toll is zero."

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