On the first day of summer, the Iemma Government also unveiled a graphic new reminder of the dangers of speeding as NSW families start planning their summer holidays.

Roads Minister Eric Roozendaal said a graphic roadshow designed by the NSW Centre for Road Safety will travel NSW highlighting how speeding can cost a life in the blink of an eye.

“Speeding is the biggest killer on NSW roads – we need to redouble our efforts to slow people down, especially at this time of year,” Mr Roozendaal said.

Latest NSW Centre for Road Safety statistics reveal speeding kills 18 per cent more people in summer than winter.

There were 1931 speeding-related crashes on NSW roads last summer which claimed 38 lives.

“This figure is down from the 79 who died 20 years ago in the summer of 1986/87 due to speeding because we have strengthened enforcement and awareness campaigns – but there’s always more work to do,” Mr Roozendaal said.

NSW Police Traffic Services Commander Chief Superintendent John Hartley said police would be involved in a number of operations this summer targeting speeding motorists who risk their lives and the lives of others.

NSW Police will target all main routes out of major city centres as well as popular holiday destinations.

“We will be relentless in targeting those drivers who disobey the speed limit,” Supt Hartley said.

“There are a number of speeding operations that will be conducted across the State during the summer months, including Operation Safe Arrival.

“Every Highway Patrol unit and all 450 Highway Patrol vehicles will be on the road over Christmas and we will be relentless in targeting people who speed.

“Up to 250,000 breath tests will be done over the 10-day Safe Arrival period.”

Operation Safe Arrival is a major school holiday road safety operation targeting drivers travelling across the state with all available police targeting illegal behaviour on NSW roads.

The NSW Centre for Road Safety’s roadshow started today at Coogee beach with three identical cars, two of which were used in speeding tests at the centre’s state-of-the-art CrashLab facility.

“One car was subjected to a crash at 60km/h and the other at 100km/h – the difference is horrific and shows the grim reality of how easily a life can be lost in a car crash,” Mr Roozendaal said.

The roadshow will travel to regional centres in NSW this summer.

NSW Centre for Road Safety crash statistics show that over the past three summers 38 per cent of fatalities involved speeding – compared to 32 per cent of fatalities over the past three winters.

“Summer to most families is a time to enjoy the outdoors, but unfortunately it is also a time when more people are injured or killed on NSW roads,” Mr Roozendaal said.

“Many speed related crashes over summer happen on dry, sealed roads in sunny conditions because motorists become complacent and take unnecessary risks.

“The biggest risk people take is speeding because people are more likely to think they can ‘get away with it’ when the roads are dry and the weather is good.

“Travelling at 5km/h over the 60km/h speed limit can in fact double your chances of being involved in a serious crash.”

The NSW Centre for Road Safety has also relaunched the Speeding. No one thinks big of you commercial over summer.

The ‘Pinkie’ campaign delivers the broader message that speeding is a community issue concerning people of all ages. It is not only dangerous – it is unacceptable.

Supt Hartley also urged motorists planning trips away during the Christmas break to watch their speed and guard against fatigue.

“We ask everyone heading off on a holiday, or to visit loved ones, to please take care.

“Is saving a few minutes on your family trip really worth the risk of never seeing them again?

“It is also important to avoid fatigue on long trips. Drivers should take regular breaks from driving and take advantage of rest stops across NSW.”