PLAN your drive and stay alive, that’s the message from police for Border drivers leaving for Christmas holidays from today.

Wodonga police highway patrol Sgt Mal Burdett said police will have a visible presence on the roads from today as holidaymakers pack the highways to travel to be with families for Christmas.

“We’re going to be out there because we want people to get to their destinations safely,” he said.

“Take that extra five minutes to get to your destination, be tolerant of other road users and think about your family when you’re driving. They’d rather see you five minutes late than not at all.”

He said fatigue is one of the biggest killers on the roads during the holiday season.

“People think they’re going to get through the fatigue. Pull over, change drivers or take a break,” he said.

The warning comes as NSW highway patrol officers also begin their Christmas operations.

Operation Safe Arrival starts today and runs until Thursday at midnight with double demerit points until January 1.