New iconic road safety program to drive down the state’s road toll is announced.

The NSW Government announced Toll Group as a major road safety partner in the Driver Reviver program to drive down the state’s road toll.

This road safety program will see almost 80 Driver Reviver rest stops offering motorists a place to stop, revive and survive during the school holidays and upcoming long weekend.

Minister for Roads Duncan Gay welcomed the new partnership at a time when fatigue is a growing issue on the road.

The Toll partnership includes monetary support to help the Driver Reviver program continue across the state, and in-kind support for the management of volunteers, communications about how to manage and recognise fatigue and the very important delivery of biscuits, coffee and tea.

“So far this year, we have lost 291 lives on the road, which is 37 more than the same time last year, and 65 of those are because of fatigue crashes,” Mr Gay said.

He also added that fatigue is an issue because it can be as dangerous as getting behind the wheel on the drink; being awake for 17 hours affects your driving like a blood alcohol level of more than the legal limit.

During the long weekend, more Police will be out on the roads targeting high-risk behaviour such as speeding, drink or drug driving, driver distraction and not wearing a seatbelt.

Double demerits apply from 30 September to 3 October for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.