On Saturday a motorbike rider became the fifth fatality after he lost control of his bike along the Bruxner Highway just outside Tenterfield.

The 57-year-old man was travelling with a group of riders when he crashed his bike on Saturday morning.

The group were about 40 kilometres east of Tenterfield when the man lost control on a bend and hit a guard rail.

Emergency services were immediately notified, however the man died at the scene.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Command’s, Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith, said there was a need to appeal directly to individuals after a horror weekend on the road.

“While the road toll currently sits at 10 fatal crashes and five deaths down on this time last year, there is a need for motorists to take personal responsibility for their actions.

“Police continue to enforce road safety, however we need those that use our roads to consider their own actions and not place themselves, their passengers and other road users at risk.

“Speeding, drink or drug driving, not wearing a seat belt or correct helmet – all of these actions are pretty basic, but if caution is not used can result in lives lost. Take a break when travelling long distances and don’t become distracted by a mobile phone.

Mr Smith said with the warmer conditions more people were inclined to get out and drivers, riders, cyclists and pedestrians couldn’t afford to be complacent.

“While the tragic events over the weekend continue to be investigated, it would appear in some instances that basic driver and rider safety was not followed, leading to those involved tragically losing their lives on our roads,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Smith said.