Target on drink and drug drivers signals renewed efforts to reduce road toll

NSW Police have increased their presence on streets across the state, focusing on drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs following concerning road trauma trends in April.

Traffic & Highway Patrol officers commenced Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers) from midnight Thursday, May 8, through to midnight Saturday, May 10, setting up hundreds of random alcohol and drug testing, and speaking to motorists about fatigue risks.

In the northern region 22,285 breath tests were conducted and the total number of infringements was 1,483 with 51 PCA charges and 147 positive drug driving tests.

While the operation focused on finding drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs, police also detected: 362 speed-related offences; 37 mobile phone usage; 17 seatbelt related offences; and 1,483 other traffic offences.

During Operation RAID in the northern region there were 42 major crashes with 15 people injured but thankfully no fatalities.

Police say that drink driving, drug driving and fatigue are three major contributors to the state’s annual road toll.

In April 2025, 39 people in NSW lost their lives in 36 crashes with four believed to be alcohol related and seven to be drug related.

This is compared to 37 deaths in April 2024.

There have been 131 deaths in NSW so far in 2025, which is 19 more than this time last year.

Assistant Commissioner David Driver, Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, said Operation RAID was one of several statewide initiatives run throughout the year to reduce road trauma and serious crashes.

“We run these operations to promote road safety, educate drivers, encourage compliance with road rules and reduce loss of life,” he said.

“Whilst we saw the majority of motorists comply with the law during the operation, it was disappointing to see some drivers completely disregard the road rules.”

“It is concerning to see any offence occur on our roads, but particularly drink and drug driving combined with high-speed.

“We will continue to run road operations to keep the community safe.

“Those drivers who break the road rules risk being detected by police, losing their licence, and facing the consequences of their actions in court.”