The state-wide road-safety operation started Thursday and concludes at January 3.

Double-demerit points are in force throughout the period for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.

NSW Police officers will also be targeting other high-risk driver behaviour, including the Four Ds; drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving.

Read more: Attempted murder charge after domestic-related assault in Wollongong on Christmas Eve

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Karen Webb, said sadly the holiday operation has started with one life already lost on NSW roads.

"We hope to see drivers taking care while visiting loved ones during the festive season, as police continue to patrol all roads throughout the operation," she said.

Day one of the road safety operation included an incident on Lake Heights Road, Lake Heights at 4pm on Christmas Eve when a police attempted to stop a Harley Davidson motorcycle for excess speed.

The rider failed to stop, and a pursuit was initiated travelling through local streets before the motorcycle crashed on Karrabah Crescent and the rider ran off

The 30 year old male rider was arrested and charged with police pursuit, not stop, drive recklessly, driving motor vehicle during disqualification period, using an unregistered motor vehicle on road, and goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen.

Meanwhile just before 9am on Christmas Eve officers from Sutherland Traffic and Highway Patrol stopped a Bentley on the Bangor Bypass, Barden Ridge, after it was allegedly detected travelling at 159 km/h in a signposted 80 km/h zone.

The driver, a 43-year-old Menai man, was issued an infringement for exceed speed more than 45km/h and his licence was suspended.

Progressive statistics for the NSW Police road-safety operation

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