The state-wide Christmas and New Year road-safety operation started at 12.01am on Thursday and concludes 11.59pm on Sunday, January 3.

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

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And while officers will be targeting other high-risk driver behaviour, including the drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving, they will also be keeping an eye on Covid policies.

"Operation Summer Safe began a few weeks ago where we put extra crews on to monitor Christmas shopping and also Covid compliance," an Orange police spokesman said.

"This will include the usual thefts around Christmas but this year it also includes Coivid compliance to make sure not too many people in stores and there's no overcrowding.

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"We'll also be monitoring licensed premises such as pubs and restaurants to make sure they are upholding Covid regulations.

"This will be continuing over the holiday season."

In 2018 in Orange, 2,438 RBTs were conducted in the Christmas double demerits period and resulted in 14 drink driving offences.

For the same period in 2019, 3,606 RBTs in Orange were done, with seven drink driving offences.

Metropolitan police will also be deployed across the Central West as to increase police numbers across the board.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, reminded the NSW community to enjoy the Christmas and New Year's celebrations but importantly to arrive at your destination safely.

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"Traditionally, we see more people on the roads during the festive season, and COVID-19 restrictions permitting, this year will be no different with people holidaying closer to home. Drivers need to remember to be patient and allow extra travel time," Mr Elliott said.

"Double demerits will be in place and police will be on the roads making sure that the rules are being adhered to.

"I urge all motorists to obey the road rules and exercise extra caution to ensure that this festive season and the start of 2021 is safe for everyone."

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Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Karen Webb, said community safety is the main priority for police.

"After the year that we have had, we want the community to arrive at their destinations safely to celebrate the festivities with family and friends. Help us keep you and your loved ones safe, there is no excuse for reckless and selfish behaviour," Assistant Commissioner Webb said.

"Police will have a presence on all roads across the state, from major motorways to rural backroads, so have a Plan B to get home safely if you're drinking, keep to the speed limit and always wear seatbelts.

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"We continue to encourage the public to report anyone they see or know of breaking the law with the Four Ds - drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving - to Crime Stoppers."

Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said road crashes have claimed the lives of 291 people in NSW so far this year and almost half of those fatalities involved speeding.

"It's devastating that hundreds of families will celebrate Christmas without a loved one this year, and each one of those deaths was preventable," Minister Constance said.

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"The impact is massive for so many more people, with more than 11,000 injured in road crashes in 2019 alone.

"Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to travel, don't speed, drive to the conditions, wear your seatbelt, avoid distractions, make sure you're well rested and if you've been drinking or have taken drugs, don't drive."