DRUG driving was expected to be a focus for police across the October long weekend amid an alarming spike in motorists testing positive to drugs right across NSW.
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Acting Sergeant John Simmons, from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, said Port Stephens had not been immune from the state-wide trend.
"We have seen a significant spike of drug driving in the Port Stephens command," he said.
During the last long weekend operation in Port Stephens, at Easter, one in every three drivers tested positive to illicit drugs.
Across NSW during the Easter long weekend, one in six drivers were found to have an illicit drug such as methamphetamine, cannabis or ecstasy in their system.
The October long weekend operation, Slow Down, will kick-off at midnight on Friday, October 2, and run until midnight on Monday, October 5.
Double demerits will apply during that time.
As well as driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, police will be targeting seatbelt, helmet and speeding offences.
Acting Sergeant Simmons urged drivers to manage their fatigue.
"Don't drive if you're tired," he said.
"It increases your chances of a serious injury collision, especially if you're in an area you're not familiar with."
Acting Sergeant Simmons also urged motorists to plan their trip, take breaks, stick to the speed limit, keep an eye out for other road users and not drink - or take drugs - and drive.
