For Christians, it is about four sacred days commemorating the death and resurrection of Jesus.

According to the bible, Jesus came back to life or was raised from the dead, three days after his death on the cross. 

The death of Jesus Christ by crucifixion is commemorated on Sunday. 

Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, Christians celebrate life.

For many people who do not identify themselves as Christians the four-day holiday that is Easter is used to catch up with family and friends, have a few drinks and relax.

To some of those people that can mean driving long distances to meet up with loved ones. Unfortunately, some of those people will forever identify Easter with death.

People die on the country’s roads over the Easter weekend every year, that is a fact. Police blame alcohol, reckless driving and fatigue for the road toll every year.

Every year they run road safety campaigns and every year we read in our papers and see on our television news that someone has lost their life on the roads over the Easter long weekend.

Driver fatigue, drunk and reckless driving were the major causes of the deaths.

The Easter weekend is a time when Australians also take long trips to get away on a short holiday.

As the weekend approaches, Police encourage road users to take extra care during their journeys to ensure that they arrive at their destinations and then return home safely.

The message cannot be emphasised enough. 

Take regular breaks, share the driving with others and do not drink and drive, if you do, you are putting your life and the lives of others at risk.

A total of 94 lives have been lost on NSW roads this year, compared to 67 at this time last year. 

These are frightening numbers but every one of those 94 were loved by someone and this Easter will be a sad one for them without that person.

New South Wales police have a zero road toll goal this Easter.

Police will be out in big numbers enforcing road rules and trying their best to deter dangerous speeding, drink-driving and other dangerous behaviors over the Easter break.

NSW Police have already begun Operation Merret, an unorthodox and proactive approach to road policing, aimed at educating and empowering the public to make the right decisions on our roads.

During Operation Merret and throughout the Easter period, you will see more police on the roads, not only targeting motorists for dangerous behaviours, but educating drivers on safe behaviour and encouraging those who are doing the right thing through positive reinforcement.

Local MP Steph Cooke said there's no such thing as safe speeding.

“NSW police will be out in full force taking a more proactive approach to road safety this Easter,” she said. “It’s important we remember this is for our benefit. No one wants to get that dreaded phone call at a time of celebration and family. “We’ve already lost 94 people on NSW roads this year and that’s 94 too many.

“Whether you’re travelling within the electorate or further afield, obey the road rules, get enough rest, and don’t take familiar roads for granted.”  Her message rings true.

Police are reminding motorists that double demerits apply for five days in NSW from Thursday, March 29 through to Monday April 2 inclusive. For the latest updates on NSW road conditions visit: www.livetraffic.com<http://www.livetraffic.com>

We at the Young Witness wish all of our readers a happy and safe Easter filled with joy. Our normal Tuesday and Friday publications will resume from next week.

Young residents will need to put their clocks back one hour on Sunday, April 1. Most Android phones and Apple iPhones will update their times automatically as long as you are using the automatically set network time rather than a manual setting. So remember on Sunday, April 1, 2018 at bedtime turn your clocks backward one hour.