THE state's worsening road toll has prompted police to plead with motorists to slow down and avoid distractions.
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As the number of people killed on NSW roads reached 145 - 34 more than the same time last year - the state's top traffic officer reminded the community that road safety was everyone's responsibility.
Four more people died in three separate road incidents across NSW in the next 36 hours after the call from police.
The western region has had its share of the tragic loss of life this year.
By April 13, 19 people had died on the region's roads, compared with only about 11 at the same time last year, police reported.
Since April 1 eight people have been killed in five separate crashes at Dubbo, Maryvale, Trangie, Bogan Gate and west of Cobar.
It means about 17 per cent of all road toll deaths this year have been on western region roads.
In the past few days police have stopped a number of vehicles for alleged speeding and drink driving.
Assistant Commissioner John Hartley, NSW Traffic and Highway Patrol commander, said the lack of personal responsibility by drivers on NSW roads was extremely disappointing.
"It only takes a second for a road user to make the wrong choice, be that speeding, mobile phone use, not using a seat belt or being tired for a tragedy to occur," he said.
"Make the right decision by fastening the seat belt, slowing down, resting and ignoring the mobile phone.
"Police officers will always do everything possible to minimise road trauma, but without road user responsibility, their job will not be complete."
About 5pm on Thursday a 46-year-old motorcycle rider struck a 76-year-old man in an Isuzu on Windsor Road, Whitehaven, trapping the motorcycle under the vehicle.
The rider suffered a fractured left ankle.
About 2pm on Wednesday, police stopped a 49-year-old woman for allegedly swerving in and out of traffic and colliding with a kerb in a VW Golf on Fitzwilliam Street, Toongabbie.
The driver was breath-tested and returned an alleged result of 0.298 and her licence was suspended.
About 4.50pm also Wednesday, a 21-year-old man driving a Ford Falcon on the M4 Motorway, Eastern Creek was detected travelling at allegedly 150km/h in a 100km/h zone.
"These incidents are another reminder that all road users need to adhere to the road rules and use sound judgement before embarking on any trips," Assistant Commissioner Hartley said.
