Some 133,871 breath tests were conducted in the southern region of NSW during the 15-day police operation - which ended at midnight on Friday - resulting in 72 motorists being charged with drink driving.

Statewide, police conducted 527,174 breath tests, which was up 16,134 compared to last year, and resulted in 992 people being charged for PCA offences (up 98).

Meanwhile a 79-year-old woman who died following a two-vehicle collision on the F6 at Mt Ousley on December 23 was one of 17 people killed during the operation.

Commander of Traffic Services, Assistant Commissioner John Hartley, said Operation Safe Arrival had seen some mixed results with most offences down compared to last year.

"Sadly more than one person a day was killed on NSW's roads during this holiday period and while the 17 deaths was two lower than compared to last year this is still far too many," he said.

"A review of all the crashes has shown that most were as a result of drivers disobeying the law or making a mistake.

"What was also concerning was the increase in people caught drink-driving. Nearly 100 more people were caught this year, showing a blatant disregard to the road rules, their safety and the safety of other motorists.

"This is still a busy time on our roads with summertime and school holidays in full swing and while Operation Safe Arrival has now concluded I can assure you that police will continue to target irresponsible drivers, speeding, drink-driving and seatbelt offences."

As well as the 72 PCA charges in the southern region - which extends from Waterfall down to the Victorian border - there were 246 seatbelt infringements, 3008 speeding infringements and 2209 other infringements during the operation.

These included the incident of a car travelling at 105km/h in an 80km/h zone on Mt Ousley Road.

According to police, the driver was taken to the police station and he had an alcohol reading of 0.131.