The Riverina road toll has jumped despite this year's COVID-19 lockdown, prompting a road safety advocate calling for more education.
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Even with residents restricted to home for one month in 2021 to stop the spread of COVID-19, 17 people have been killed throughout the Riverina Police District.
The most recent tragedy occurred on Saturday morning when a man died after an SUV and multiple motorcycles collided on the Alpine Way north of Khancoban.
For the same time period, in 2020, 14 people died in 12 crashes and in 2019, there were 10 deaths after nine crashes.
The Riverina Police District's road toll is more than triple the surrounding districts, with the Murray River losing three people while the Murrumbidgee saw five deaths.
Road safety advocate Jon Morgan pointed out there are already hefty consequences for breaking the rules when driving, such as five demerit points for using a mobile phone.
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He said there needs to be more education, particularly for younger people, to ensure anyone behind the wheel knows the "tragic consequences" of not driving safely.
"One of the main issues I am still seeing is the number of people reaching for their phones," Mr Morgan said.
"There seems to be this need, and not just for young people, to constantly check their phone, but it just takes that one second and then lives can be lost.
"We need more education, and I think it needs to be a bit confronting to make sure they realise that it is not just their own life they are risking."
While taking personal responsibility is important, Mr Morgan said with signs the road toll is rising then more needs to be done to get the number to zero.
Riverina Highway Patrol Inspector Darren Moulds said every death on the road is a significant concern to officers, acknowledging the number of fatalities.
He urged drivers to drive to the conditions and take even more caution on unfamiliar roads.
"As the weather has warmed up and COVID restrictions have been significantly reduced, we are seeing more traffic out on the roads," Inspector Moulds said.
"Especially on our main roads and highways. We want to reinforce that people need to be compliant with the road rules by sticking to the speed limit, not drink-driving or using a mobile phone illegally."
Inspector Moulds also highlighted the need for drivers to get their cars checked, especially if they have not been in use for a while.
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