The western region accounted for five of the deaths between Friday and Sunday: one man died after a single vehicle crash near Narromine, two people died after a single single vehicle crash 50 kilometres south of Bathurst and two people died after two trucks crashed head-on near Moree.

The region's 2016 road toll had climbed to 64 as of Monday morning – up from just 42 at the same time last year.

Western Region Traffic Tactician Inspector Peter McMenamin said speed and an increase in multiple fatalities contributed to the rising toll.

“When you look at the data, we’ve had a bigger increase in the number of multiple fatalities,” Inspector McMenamin said.

“This year we’ve had 54 crashes resulting in those 64 deaths and last year we had 42 deaths from 39 crashes.

“The bottom line is while investigations into the crashes that we’ve had [over the weekend] are still ongoing the initial inquiries have indicated...speed, fatigue...and people being distracted are still the leading causes of these crashes.”

The weekend’s deaths pushed the state-wide road toll to 320 – 38 more than in 2015 – and prompted the state’s top traffic cop to address the media on Monday.

“Before you venture out on the road, ask yourself the question; What can I do today to survive?,” Traffic and Highway Patrol Acting Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said.

“What action can I take to ensure that I, and people around me, are not at risk of being injured or killed on the road?

“This effort is a combined one. We have to work together to end the tragic and avoidable deaths on our roads. We’re doing our best and we’re calling on you, the driver, motorbike rider, cyclist and pedestrian, to work with us.”

Western region police will continue their high visibility campaign on the region’s roads, according to Inspector McMenamin.

He said he’s not sure what more police can do.

“I don’t know. I’d love to be able to say this is the reason and this is how we’re going to fix it,” he said.

“We implore [drivers] to...think, comply with the rules and make the correct decision at the right time.”