Police are pleased that there have been far fewer road deaths for this year's holiday period compared to last year.

The holiday period road toll provisionally stands at 13, just over half of last year’s total of 22.

Director Road Policing Superintendent Steve Greally said while it’s fantastic to have seen this number drop, any death on the roads is still one too many.

“That’s still 13 families who have had their lives irrevocably changed at what should be a happy and festive time of year, and our hearts go out to them."

Police will continue to be out in force across the country this summer, conducting road policing operations and patrols to target unsafe driver behaviour.

“Our officers are doing everything they can out on the roads working to reduce the number of serious crashes," he said.

“But we need drivers to be doing their bit too."

Make sure everyone in your vehicle is safely buckled up, drive at a safe speed for the conditions under the speed limit, put your cellphone away, and ensure you’re driving free of fatigue, alcohol, and drugs.