Drivers told to stop using mobiles

Text while driving this festive season and you could end up with a double demerit hangover.

For the first time, the NSW government will include mobile phone offences in the double-demerit penalty period over Christmas and New Year.

Drivers caught talking on a mobile phone or texting will lose six points between December 24 and January 3, in a bid to get "eyes back on the road".

From early next year NSW drivers will be slammed with four demerit points - a one point increase.

And Roads Minister Duncan Gay says he's also prepared to up the $319 fine.

"I'll do whatever it takes to get the message out - using your mobile phone while driving can kill," he said.

There were about 35,000 fines handed out for the illegal use of a mobile phone last year.

"That is just too many," Mr Gay added.

Drivers using their mobiles are causing serious injuries, and even fatalities.

Police Minister Troy Grant says it's "just plain reckless", with the 2015 road fatality toll now higher than last year.

"Every single motorist needs to get real and start thinking about their behaviour behind the wheel," he said.

In 2013, Sydney model Sarah Durazza, 26, was talking on her mobile phone when her car rolled and slammed into a tree in North Narrabeen in Sydney's north.

Her last words were heard by her boyfriend as they spoke on the phone.

Deputy State Coroner Hugh Dillon said the tragic death should serve as a "terrible warning" of the dangers of inattention while driving.