A shocking three days on Australian roads has prompted authorities to beg drivers to stop taking stupid risks as the country heads into the Christmas holiday period.
At least 15 people have been killed in serious accidents across the country since Friday, with several involving speed.
NSW Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy says the Christmas holiday period hasn't even begun yet and police are already disturbed about the potential road toll for the full year.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says he's concerned about the state's high road toll, with 270 dead so far this year compared to 234 last year.
"Ultimately so much of this tragedy could be avoided if people drive and ride to the conditions, drive and ride to their ability, stay off the grog, and for heaven's sake don't be on drugs when you're driving," Mr Andrews told reporters.
In NSW, eight people have died in road accidents since Friday, with mobile phone use, fatigue and disobeying the road rules as the most common causes.
Police are also worried about people taking stupid risks on the road, citing the example of a young father who was caught street racing with his two young children unrestrained in the back seat.
"With the amount of people dying on our roads, with the amount of communication we do on all this, how a sensible person could even think to do that is just beyond me," Mr Corboy said.
He said police were seeing more and more risk taking behaviour and "distracted driving".
NSW Police have planned targeted road patrols all through December to the end of January.
"We are really throwing every officer we can at this," the assistant commissioner said.
"We are not going to drop the ball on this."
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton echoed the message.
"It's that time of year when the road toll really takes a big impact. We do want to get that message out there ... please be careful, pay attention to what's happening around you," he said.
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