A Ballina drink-driving crash where a woman allegedly tested more than six times over the legal alcohol limit has been singled by police out as one of the worst cases over the Christmas–New Year period.

The incident occurred at about 1.45pm on Sunday on Ferngrove Drive, during the final day of the statewide road safety operation.

Police allege a 61-year-old woman returned a roadside breath test reading of 0.302, more than six times the legal limit of 0.05.

Officers say the woman was driving an SUV from Tamarind Drive when she entered the roundabout and allegedly made a left turn from the right lane.

The vehicle then crashed into a pedestrian traffic refuge, ripping out steel safety rails.

Police allege the driver continued through a give-way sign, drove over a roundabout, and kept going after the tyres deflated.

The SUV then crashed through a wooden fence before coming to a stop.

The woman later refused a formal breath analysis.

She was issued with a Field Court Attendance Notice to appear at Ballina Local Court in February.

NSW Police listed the Ballina crash among the most serious incidents during Operation Christmas and New Year 2025.

The 17-day operation ran from December 19 to January 4 and coincided with double demerits.

Across NSW, eight people lost their lives on the roads during the period.

Police conducted nearly 600,000 breath tests, detecting 939 drink-driving offences.

More than 29,000 roadside drug tests were also carried out, with over 2400 positive detections.

In the Northern Region, which includes Ballina Shire, police recorded three fatalities, 289 drink-driving charges, and 729 positive drug tests.

Police warned that school holiday traffic remains heavy and urged drivers not to drink or take drugs before driving, even in small amounts.